Altus Collaborated with IIUM for the Development of Versatile Amphibian Robot (VAR)

Kuala Lumpur, 7 July 2021― Altus Oil and Gas Malaysia's Sdn Bhd (Altus) via Marine Solutions Division has taken a new milestone by signing a strategic collaboration with the International Islamic University of Malaysia (IIUM) led by their research arm, Center for Unmanned Technology (CUTe) to develop the Versatile Amphibian Robot (VAR).

We learnt that few gaps are needed to be filled up by embarking on new technology. A robot known as Versatile Amphibian Robot (VAR) is designed to fill up the gap for cost-effectiveness, creating a safe workplace, flexible and capable to be mobilised with fewer hassle logistics arrangements.
The robot is a modular-based design that can be adapted to meet different needs and be fitted with the following:

• ship hull brush cleaning machine
• visual inspection camera
• non-destructive test (NDT) Ultrasonic Thickness Gauging (UTG), infrared etc.
• blasting application
• high-pressure water jet nozzle
• painting nozzle

We believe, VAR is the future for maritime industry especially the ports and offshore segments including:

• offshore inspection
• marine inspection
• refineries/tank farm
• drydocking

We are looking forward to the prototype to be ready by the end of 2022 and for industrial utilisation by the end of 2023.