Octobotics, a deeptech startup based in Delhi NCR, is revolutionizing the marine vessel inspection industry with its innovative robotic solutions. Founded by Ishan Bhatnagar and Gulshan Kumar, the company aims to eliminate hazardous manual inspections and reduce the risk of mishaps in a sector notorious for its dangerous working conditions. With a strong focus on safety and efficiency, Octobotics has developed magnetic crawler robots that can climb steel structures and conduct ultrasonic inspections, detecting structural defects and ensuring the integrity of critical infrastructure.
The company's journey began in 2020 when Bhatnagar and Kumar, both engineers with experience in offshore careers, witnessed the tragic consequences of manual inspections. From falls and exposure to toxic gases to oxygen-deficient environments, the risks were stark. Determined to make a change, they left their jobs and pooled their savings to start Octobotics, initially experimenting with aerial inspections using drones equipped with cameras and sensors.
However, the breakthrough came in 2021 with the development of their magnetic crawler robot. This prototype, along with subsequent patents filed for robotic arm designs and non-destructive testing technology, showcased Octobotics' expertise at the intersection of metallurgy, software engineering, and robotics. The company's phased array ultrasonic testing technology, inspired by medical ultrasound, allows for detailed inspections of steel structures, pinpointing cracks, corrosion, and internal defects.
Octobotics' modular inspection layer is a key differentiator. The startup initially offered two separate robots for weld inspection and ultrasonic testing, but feedback from customers led to a shift towards a single, lighter platform under 15 kilograms. This new design, set to debut around August 15th, will focus on India and the Middle East, catering to a wide range of sectors, including oil and gas, marine, and railways.
The company's service-based revenue model involves deploying field teams equipped with robots and charging customers on a per-inspection basis. A typical storage tank inspection costs around ₹10 Lakh and takes about two days, compared to ten days with manual methods. For more complex assets, inspection contracts can generate ₹20 Lakh to ₹25 Lakh per job.
Octobotics' traction is evident in its financial performance. The startup closed FY26 with revenues of ₹1.94 Cr and aims to hit ₹6 Cr in the ongoing fiscal year (FY27). While the target is ambitious, Octobotics is confident in its hardware-first, service-driven approach, offering faster and more affordable inspections for large industrial giants. The question remains: can Octobotics scale its operations and become a trusted industrial inspection partner, transforming the industry and ensuring safer working conditions?
