Oil & Gas Aramco to use Japanese drone startup to inspect facilities By Pramod Kumar April 3, 2025, 9:44 AM Terra Drone Terra Drone established a subsidiary in Saudi Arabia in 2023 after raising $14 million from Wa'ed Ventures, the venture capital arm of Aramco Saudi Aramco has entered into an agreement with Japanese startup Terra Drone to inspect its oil and gas facilities using drones, robotics and artificial intelligence (AI). The memorandum of understanding will advance drone technologies to enhance safety and operational efficiency in the energy sector, Terra Drone said in a statement. In 2023, Terra Drone received $14 million in funding from Wa’ed Ventures, the venture capital arm of Aramco. Following the investment, it established a branch in Saudi Arabia, aiming to localise its services in the short term, establish local research and development, as well as set up production facilities in the long term. Aramco leads the pack in oil and gas AI investments Frank Kane: Data is the new oil – and the oil industry agrees Aramco to buy AI chips from Abu Dhabi fund-backed Cerebras Terra Drone is expected to commence operations in 2027, CEO and founder Toru Tokushige told Reuters. “We’re aiming for billions of yen in sales over the medium to long term, three to five years,” he said. Terra Drone, which was listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange Growth Market 250 Index in November 2024, is yet to turn profitable, the report said. Register now: It’s easy and free AGBI registered members can access even more of our unique analysis and perspective on business and economics in the Middle East. Why sign uP Exclusive weekly email from our editor-in-chief Personalised weekly emails for your preferred industry sectors Read and download our insight packed white papers Access to our mobile app Prioritised access to live events Register for free Already registered? Sign in I’ll register later
