ARV tie-ups offer wealth of potential

ARV tie-ups offer wealth of potential

Drones enlisted in smart farming drive

A drone, developed by ATi Technologies Co, is designed to be a new farm hand for farmers. AI and Robotics Ventures
A drone, developed by ATi Technologies Co, is designed to be a new farm hand for farmers. AI and Robotics Ventures

AI and Robotics Ventures (ARV), a subsidiary of PTT Exploration and Production (PTTEP), is preparing to launch commercial drones next year to help farmers adjust to smart farming as part of efforts to modernise Thai agriculture.

Using drones for agricultural purposes is among the collaborations between ARV and its partners, which aim to set up new businesses in various fields, including oil and gas production infrastructure and high voltage transmission lines, said ARV general manager Thana Slanvetpan.

ARV spent two years seeking a business partner and educating the public about its drone project. It recently participated in a light and sound show, using a group of drones to form letters and pictures in the air to commemorate the late King Rama IX on Dec 5.

In July, the company signed an agreement with Thai Advance Innovation Co (Thai AI), a subsidiary of satellite operator Thaicom Plc, to co-develop drone technology.

The initial phase of the partnership focuses on using drones to help farmers identify problems or damage within vast tracts of farmland and to spray fertilisers and pesticides.

The agricultural sector is vital to the economy. There are opportunities to add value to this sector to raise productivity, cut losses and increase margins in farm businesses by adopting artificial intelligence (AI) and data analytics, said Mr Thana.

The two firms are establishing ATi Technologies Co to further develop drones, with registered capital of 20 million baht. Thai AI and ARV each hold a 50% stake in the new firm.

Founded in September 2018, ARV has a three-year business plan, which started last year, to pursue innovations in AI and robotics in order to support PTTEP's exploration and production activities. PTTEP earmarked US$50 million in May 2019 for the venture, which includes designing mobile apps for petroleum industry activities.

Mr Thana said some of ARV's plans were delayed during the lockdown period caused by the pandemic.

Boonyanit Wongrukmit, governor of state-run Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (Egat), said his agency is talking with ARV about the possibility of utilising AI and robotic technologies for its power generation and transmission systems. Egat has transmission lines covering 30,000 kilometres nationwide. They require annual maintenance, which is expensive. Egat would adopt the technology if it reduced this outlay, he said.

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