BeeX partnered with a Singapore-based marine construction company specializing in geotextile fabric laying to support inspection operations for a coastal protection project. The project required precise verification of geotextile placement and stone layering, critical to ensuring structural integrity and preventing sand displacement due to currents. Faced with operational constraints and limitations of traditional inspection methods, the client explored autonomous solutions to improve efficiency, safety, and cost-effectiveness.
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The client, a marine construction company specializing in geotextile installation, traditionally relied on divers to carry out inspection works. These inspections involved verifying the placement of geotextile fabric, ensuring proper overlap between sections, and confirming correct stone layering above the fabric. However, due to regulatory constraints, diver-based inspections were not feasible for this project. Additionally, traditional methods presented limitations in terms of operational duration, cost, and scalability. Divers could only operate for limited periods, and outsourcing freelance divers often resulted in higher and less predictable costs. With these challenges, the client sought an alternative solution that could maintain inspection quality while improving productivity and operational efficiency.
BeeX deployed autonomous underwater inspection drone A.IKANBILIS to support the project at Tuas South. The mission scope included inspecting geotextile overlaps, verifying alignment with project plans, and assessing stone placement across multiple sections of the seabed. Inspection operations followed the construction workflow. Fabric was laid over sand, followed by stone placement, and then subsequent layers. A.IKANBILIS was used to inspect each stage, ensuring correct positioning and alignment before processing to the next section. The deployment began with a single vehicle and progressively scaled to four vehicles as the client recognized the efficiency gains. Over time, a combined team of BeeX pilots and client engineers operated the systems, with BeeX providing training to enable the client’s engineers to take on piloting responsibilities under supervision. Throughout the project, BeeX provided daily progress updates, including inspection coverage, operational hours, and the number of panels inspected, enabling the client to closely monitor project progress.
The project spanned several months, during which BeeX worked closely with the client to ensure smooth operations despite external challenges such as scheduling changes and logistical delays. BeeX maintained high operational reliability, with minimal downtime and quick response to any issues that arose. The team also adapted to evolving project requirements, including extended working hours and increased operational intensity. The collaboration highlighted opportunities for further improvement, particularly in standardising training processes for external operators and enhancing communication workflows between engineers and pilots.
Compared to traditional diver-based inspections, BeeX’s autonomous underwater drone A.IKANBILIS demonstrated clear advantages in productivity and operational efficiency. The systems were able to remain underwater for longer durations, enabling more consistent and extended inspection coverage. While divers were experienced in navigating to inspection points, A.IKANBILIS’ autonomous capabilities delivered higher overall inspection throughput over time. Additionally, the solution provided a more cost-effective alternative to freelance diver operations. The client responded positively to the deployment, expressing interest in continuing the use of BeeX’s services for future projects. The successful integration of autonomous inspection into their workflow also marked an important step toward a long-term operational transformation.
This project demonstrated the potential of autonomous systems in supporting marine construction workflows, particularly in inspection of heavy operations where accuracy, efficiency, and reliability are critical. By integrating autonomous inspection into their processes, the client was able to overcome regulatory constraints, improve productivity, and gain visibility into project progress, setting the foundation for more scalable and efficient operations in future deployments.
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