Singapore startup BeeX takes the sting out of maritime inspection costs with underwater drones

[SINGAPORE] Being a small fish in a big pond is paying off for BeeX, as the startup’s underwater drones prove cheaper and greener than their larger competitors.

The company designs, builds and operates submarine drones – also known as autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) – that provide maritime inspection services.

Named after the Malay term for anchovies, its A.Ikanbilis drone cuts the cost and time of underwater inspections by as much as 50 per cent, and slashes emissions by up to 95 per cent compared to larger remotely operated vehicles (ROVs).