Planys Technologies, a Chennai based startup, has emerged as a game changer in the world of underwater inspections.
Founded in 2015 by a group of visionary IIT Madras alumni and faculty, the company is redefining how inspections of submerged assets are conducted across the maritime, infrastructure, and energy sectors.
With its pioneering technologies in marine robotics, non destructive testing (NDT), and intelligent data analytics, Planys is not just offering solutions but is leading a paradigm shift in the industry.
Tackling the Challenges of Underwater Inspections
Underwater asset inspections have always posed significant challenges due to the hostile and inaccessible nature of these environments.
Traditionally, these inspections relied on professional divers, who, despite their expertise, faced limitations in terms of safety, endurance, and the ability to operate in extreme conditions.
Planys Technologies has addressed these challenges head on by developing unmanned, remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) and autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) that can operate in hazardous and confined areas without the need for shutdowns.
This capability is especially critical for inspections at ports, terminals, dams, plants, and underwater bridges, where traditional methods are not only risky but also inefficient.
Planys’ ROVs and AUVs are designed to deliver advanced underwater NDT solutions that are otherwise unavailable globally.
These technologies are equipped with high-definition videography, live streaming, laser defect quantification, and turbid water image enhancement capabilities.
Furthermore, they offer ultrasonic thickness gauging, corrosion monitoring without cleaning, and concrete NDT, all of which contribute to the accuracy and reliability of the data collected during inspections.
The Journey of Innovation
The story of Planys began in 2012 when the founders Vineet Upadhyay, Tanuj Jhunjhunwala, and Rakesh Sirikonda, while working on various projects at IIT Madras, started exploring ideas to address the growing need for efficient underwater inspection solutions.
Their efforts culminated in the incorporation of Planys Technologies in 2015, with the mission to become a global leader in providing customizable automated inspection solutions for onshore and offshore submerged structures.
From the outset, Planys has been driven by a research-intensive approach.
The company’s development process begins with a thorough analysis of both engineering and scientific perspectives, ensuring that the solutions they create are not only innovative but also highly effective.
This dedication to research and development has resulted in over 30 patents and a range of products that are proving their mettle across the globe.
Expanding Global Footprint
In just a few years, Planys has expanded its operations beyond India, establishing mobile offices in the Netherlands and Saudi Arabia and scaling up in regions such as the Middle East, Europe, and Southeast Asia.
The company’s international expansion has been fueled by its participation in global accelerator programs like PORTXL in Rotterdam and the Shell E4 Cohort, which have provided valuable exposure to new markets and opportunities for collaboration.
Through these initiatives, Planys has delivered pilot projects for marquee customers and leveraged vast networks across the maritime sector.
These partnerships have played a crucial role in scaling the company’s operations and ensuring that its technologies are accessible to a broader range of industries.
Innovating for the Future
Planys’ commitment to innovation is evident in its development of custom products like the Svaayatt AUV, designed for port and harbor surveys, and Jal Avlokini, India’s first AI-enabled ROV for naval vessel inspections.
These products are equipped with state-of-the-art features such as real-time video streaming, underwater thickness gauging, and spot water-jet cleaning, making them indispensable tools for defense and industrial applications.
Moreover, Planys has joined forces with global tech giant Qualcomm to develop a disruptive platform for the Internet of Underwater Things (IoUT).
This collaboration aims to create a network of connected sensors and devices that can collect and transmit data from underwater environments, opening up new possibilities for industries like defense, scientific research, offshore energy, aquaculture, and disaster planning.
Project Ankur and Beyond
One of Planys’ significant milestones was receiving the ‘Project Ankur’ grant from BPCL in 2017, which allowed the company to enhance its ROV capabilities for the oil and gas sector.
The project enabled Planys to upgrade its technology for turbid water inspections and extend the range of its ROVs for open ocean applications.
This success has paved the way for further advancements in thermal engineering and high-density electronic design, positioning Planys at the forefront of the underwater inspection industry.
In addition to its technological achievements, Planys has fostered strong ties with academia, collaborating with institutions like IIT Madras and the National Technology Centre for Ports, Waterways & Coasts (NTCPWC) to develop indigenous and cost-effective solutions for shallow water bathymetry and other critical applications.
The Future of Underwater Inspections
Planys Technologies is not just a company, it’s a vision of how technology can transform industries by making the impossible possible.
By offering customizable, automated inspection solutions for submerged structures, Planys is ensuring long term asset integrity across industries.
With a steadfast commitment to safety, quality, and innovation, the company is poised to become a global leader in the field of underwater inspections.
As Planys continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible with marine robotics and AI, the future of underwater asset inspection looks brighter than ever.
With every project, product, and partnership, Planys is setting new standards for the industry and proving that with the right technology, no challenge is too great to overcome.
