Robotic innovations revolutionize oil tank maintenance

Guwahati: BetaTank Robotics, an innovative Indian startup based at the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IITG), has pioneered two groundbreaking robotic solutions for the oil industry. These robots provide a safer, more cost-effective and environmentally responsible way to maintain and clean petroleum tanks, eliminating the need for hazardous human entry.

Founded in 2019 at the IITG-Technology Incubation Center, BetaTank Robotics has filled a critical gap in the oil and natural gas industry, where human entry poses significant risks and potential liabilities for major corporations. These robots are game-changers, reducing risk and downtime while improving safety.

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BetaTank’s first solution involves a robot designed to clean sludge from the bottom of a crude oil tank. These robots efficiently clean the tank sludge and pump it into a receptacle located outside the tank. What differentiates these robots from their global counterparts are three Unique Selling Propositions (USPs).

BetaTank’s second solution is a robot capable of washing water and cleaning petrol pump tanks at retail outlets. These robots navigate inside the tanks, extend their arms to wash with water and clean the tanks, simplifying the degassing process by making it easy, risk-free and quick.

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Professor Senthilmurugan, President, IITG-TIC, spoke about the journey of BetaTank Robotics, highlighting the power of passion, innovation and a strong support network. To fuel its next growth phase, IITG-TIC is actively facilitating key investments and strategic partnerships with esteemed investors in line with its vision.

BetaTank’s founder, Captain D. Chandrasekhar, shared his vision for these crude oil robots, a dream since 1995 when he served as a ship’s officer. He emphasized the technological superiority of these compact and low-height robots, which can easily navigate beneath the heating coils found in many tanks. The robots are equipped with a pump that can handle thick sludge efficiently, which is a unique feature compared to vacuum truck solutions.

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In recognition of their groundbreaking work, BetaTank Robotics received the Best Start-up Award at the India Energy Week Summit in Bengaluru in February 2023. This achievement has led to diverse robotic applications and increased requests for Betatank Robotics from various petroleum industry players. is actively working to fulfill these requests.