Applied Computing's AI Model Aims to Revolutionize Oil and Gas Operations

Key points

• Applied Computing, a London-based startup, raised $20 million in Series A funding in 2023 led by KBR.
• The company developed Orbital, a foundation AI model for oil, gas, and petrochemical industries.
• Orbital integrates sensor data with physics and chemistry to predict facility states and run simulations.
• Orbital has achieved double-digit millions in annual recurring revenue in under 18 months.
• Applied Computing plans international expansion and opened a new office in Houston.

If you've ever wondered how energy giants manage to keep everything running smoothly amidst a web of sensors and data, a London startup called Applied Computing has a solution. They’ve just raised $20 million, led by engineering powerhouse KBR, to further develop their AI model, Orbital, designed specifically for the oil, gas, and petrochemical industries.

How does Orbital work?

Unlike the chatbots you might use to help with customer service, Orbital isn’t about conversation. It’s a foundation AI model, meaning it combines different types of information: raw sensor data, complex physics, and good old chemistry. The aim? To predict what’s happening inside a facility and help operators make smart decisions quickly.

Orbital helps technicians see how changes in one part of the facility could shake up the rest. It can flag issues, investigate causes, and even predict whether a fix might lead to other problems, all in a matter of minutes.

Applied Computing's CEO, Callum Adamson, says operators at large facilities often use less than 8% of the data available to them. Orbital aims to change that by making different data sources, like sensor readings and engineering documents, work together in real time.

The startup has already made waves, moving from stealth mode to pulling in double-digit millions in annual recurring revenue in less than 18 months. While Adamson didn't spill the beans on how many companies are using Orbital, he mentioned partnerships with big names like Indian energy giant Wipro and U.S. and European oil majors.

What’s next for Applied Computing?

With a new office in Houston, Applied Computing is positioning itself to grow in North America. The plan is to use the $20 million to expand even further, hire new talent, and explore more deployments in the energy sector. They’re also eyeing the Middle East for future expansion.

The startup isn’t just up against traditional industrial software companies like AspenTech and AVEVA. There are also focused AI startups like Cognite and Seeq. But Adamson argues that their edge lies in assembling top AI researchers to build something truly competitive.

For privacy buffs, it's worth noting that the operational data Orbital works with is not publicly available, which could be both a strength and a concern depending on how you look at it.

In summary, Applied Computing is betting that their speed and real-time insight can help the oil and gas industry run more efficiently, saving energy and maintaining output. It’s a big promise, but with the backing of KBR and others, they’re well on their way to making it a reality.