Operva AI is a Singapore-based technology company with a mission to democratise drone technology across industries. Founded in November 2020 by a small team of tech enthusiasts with complementary expertise in drones, software development, artificial intelligence, and industry knowledge, the company began by exploring development of apps for the construction sector.
Following feedback from industry stakeholders who faced similar operational challenges across different sectors when using drones, we gradually obtained validations which laid the foundation for our core product.
Our flagship software, AIRPLAND, is a cloud-based platform that combines elements of productivity software, A.I., 3D modelling, and drone flight management into a single tool. It enables drone pilots, architects, engineers and project managers to work with visual inspection data in a collaborative and efficient manner.
Today, we deliver both software and services in accordance with clients’ needs. We have supported major organizations including CBRE, CapitaLand, LTA, HDB, China Construction, and Woh Hup. We also collaborate with technology partners like IBM to deepen our technical capabilities, and we maintain a strong relationship with regulators such as BCA and CAAS.
The AIRPLAND Platform
AIRPLAND empowers enterprises to visualise, manage, and analyse construction sites and building façade data effectively. The platform supports 3D models, 2D orthophotos, progress monitoring, A.I.-assisted observations, automated reporting, live-streaming, and file interoperability. The software has been designed with effective handling of drone-captured data in mind, and we are continuously working on improvements and new features required by the industry.
Integrated Inspection Services
Operva AI offers site monitoring and façade inspection solutions. Our team comprises drone pilots and software developers, and we are supported by a strong network of professional engineers, façade inspectors, rope access technicians, and certified thermographers.
Partnership with China Construction and Chye Joo
Through the BEAMP programme, we partnered with China Construction and Chye Joo Construction. China Construction is a regional subsidiary of China State Construction Engineering Corp Ltd, one of the world’s largest construction conglomerates. Chye Joo is a long-standing Singapore-based civil engineering and infrastructure firm.
Both firms were already using drones to track construction progress and analyze site data. However, the pre-existing process was time-intensive and manual. Operva AI proposed a new approach using automated photogrammetry powered by artificial intelligence. This would significantly reduce the time required to gather and process visual data.
We worked closely with China Construction’s Senior BIM Manager, Zhong Lin, and her team. They contributed feedback during development and facilitated interviews with their drone pilots. Within five months, we built a mobile and web application that automated flight planning and streamlined the data capture process. This allowed China Construction’s drone pilots to focus on higher-value tasks.
Outcomes and Next Steps
Following our participation in BEAMP, we have seen a substantial increase in business enquiries. Our revenue has grown steadily since pre-BEAMP levels, and we also saw our first overseas project in Vietnam following BEAMP.
We have also hired three technical team members to support product development. The visibility, introductions and credibility gained through BCA and Enterprise Singapore have been instrumental to our progress. Our client base continues to grow, and we have been given the chance to work with various renowned organizations.
We are now focused on refining our solution to the next level and we hope by listening to customers’ needs we can further bring Singapore’s technologies and methodologies to international markets.
Terry Ng
CSO & COO, Operva AI
