Vaarst Spins Off From Rovco to Add AI, Autonomy to Marine Robotics

Vaarst launched today and said its goal is to revolutionize the offshore robotics sector by using intelligent data flows for smart asset management and to create an energy-efficient and more sustainable future.

The company is a technology spin-off of subsea robotic and hydrographic survey provider Rovco, which was founded in 2015 and has invested heavily in real-time artificial intelligence-based 3D vision and autonomy systems.

Vaarst said it plans to accelerate advancement in ocean robotics by providing the energy and marine sectors access to AI-driven, autonomous technology. The company's SubSLAM X2 is designed to deliver robotic spatial awareness and live 3D point clouds to any device in the world.

The system can collect data without costly positioning systems, thereby saving many project days, claimed Vaarst. The company added that its machine learning and autonomy expertise will lead to efficient data collection and AI interpretation.

Vaarst to help digitalize field assets

“Autonomous robotics are the key to reducing the cost of offshore operations," stated Brian Allen, founder and CEO of Vaarst. "At the same time, digitalisation of field assets is essential as the industry evolves, marrying these two concepts is needed to realise the real benefit of modern tech. It’s the data that has to drive the vehicles. Vaarst is committed to unlocking the potential of offshore robotics for all."

Vaarst predicted 2021 revenues of more than £1 million ($1.37 million U.S.), rising to more than £20 million ($27.42 million) in the next few years. The Bristol, U.K.-based company has 29 employees and has plans to grow to more than 70 by the end of 2022.

In addition, Vaarst said it plans to take its offerings to the wider industrial robotics global markets in sectors such as mining, construction, farming, and land survey.