Engineering AI Solutions for the Oil and Gas Frontier
AI Breakthrough Helps Oil and Gas Keep Operations Safe
Accurate reporting is the foundation of safety and compliance in high‑risk fields such as oil and gas. Whether it involves inspecting equipment or assessing structures, the data collected must be reliable so that critical infrastructure—like petroleum storage tanks and extraction platforms—runs within safe limits.
Despite the advances of the digital era, many companies still rely on outdated, manual processes to manage this essential work. When reports are handled the old way, delays, data loss and human error become real threats to both safety and regulatory compliance.
Walter Frank Pintor Ortiz Is Tackling These Issues
- Former robotics engineer turned entrepreneur
- Founder of AI startup Query Vary
- Builds custom AI tools that turn unstructured data—internal documents, measurements, images and reports—into organized, actionable information
Impact in Oil and Gas
Query Vary supplies instruments that inspectors can use to consolidate diverse information and generate crucial reports quickly and accurately. By streamlining data collection and report creation, the company helps ensure compliance with strict regulatory standards and keeps operations safe.
From robotics engineer to AI entrepreneur
Walter’s Path from Aerospace Intern to AI Startup Founder
Walter began his engineering career in 2013 while completing a master’s degree in aerospace engineering. He started as an intern at Singapore’s Advanced Remanufacturing and Technology Centre (ARTC), a major research and development hub focused on making manufacturing processes more cost-effective and environmentally sustainable. He joined ARTC full‑time the following year and spent the next seven years there, eventually rising to a tech lead role.
Key Projects and Achievements
- Automated Turbine Blade Spray System: Walter helped develop a system that sprayed specialized fluids onto turbine blades, treating more than 5,000 blades in its first year. The system cut manual labor and enhanced engine reliability.
- Cross‑Disciplinary Expertise: Walter worked across robotics, aerospace, and other complex sectors, building a reputation for solving multidisciplinary challenges.
Transition to Startup World
Seeking faster innovation, Walter felt limited by the traditional pace of R&D. He became drawn to startups, where tools can be built quickly and refined in real time. This led him to found his first startup, Query Vary, which was accepted into Y Combinator’s Winter 2022 batch.
Query Vary’s Mission
The platform aims to empower organizations to create custom AI systems without coding. By accepting unstructured data—internal documents, field measurements, images, meeting notes, and communication logs—it generates more usable outputs, streamlining data transformation and AI deployment.
How Query Vary turns oil and gas inspections into instant documentation
Revolutionizing Tank Safety Reporting with AI Innovation
Photo courtesy of Walter Pintor and Query Vary.
Why Technical Reporting Matters for Energy Companies
- Energy firms must adhere to strict safety regulations across oil fields, pipelines, and storage facilities.
- Technical reporting is a critical task that ensures compliance and protects workers and communities.
Rosen’s Challenge: Compliance with API 653
Rosen, a multinational safety inspection firm, was struggling to meet API 653 – the industry standard for inspecting above‑ground storage tanks for corrosion, leaks, and structural failures. Missed inspections could lead to environmental damage, costly shutdowns, and safety hazards.
Inefficient Field Documentation
- Inspectors relied on paper notebooks and outdated cameras.
- Manual transcribing from onsite notes to formal reports could take two to three weeks.
- Errors and inconsistencies increased the risk of missing critical issues.
Root Cause Investigation
Walter and his team visited Rosen’s operations in Johor Bahru to study the inspection process firsthand. They found that inspectors operated without reliable internet access and had limited ability to record findings.
Query Vary’s AI‑Driven Solution
- Field Data Capture – Inspectors used explosion‑proof tablets designed for harsh conditions, capable of full functionality while offline. They recorded photos, notes, and checklists.
- Offline Data Processing – Once a connection became available, data was uploaded. An AI model processed inputs, extracted relevant details, and generated structured reports aligned with API 653 standards.
- Automated Report Generation – Reports included proper formatting and consistent language.
Immediate Impact
- Field data was captured more reliably and processed automatically.
- Input errors and missing information dropped sharply.
- Report turnaround times decreased by 90%, shrinking to an average of just two days.
Outcome for Rosen
Rosen could deliver higher‑quality reports to its Malaysian clients and meet compliance standards more efficiently.
An automated operating system for field reporting
Reimagining Data Integration for 2025
Walter Pintor Ortiz continues to chart a groundbreaking course through his dual roles as CTO at Query Vary and Filepillar. His journey from pioneering custom system builds to spearheading AI-driven solutions illustrates a fully integrated approach that now forms the core of Query Vary’s offering.
Key Milestones
- Query Vary’s custom system becomes a flagship service, leveraging Walter’s expertise to deliver efficient and scalable solutions.
- Filepillar, backed by VC firm Antler, expands Walter’s focus from data integration to financial compliance, automating tax prep and financial reporting.
- Both ventures enhance corporate visibility, providing advanced tools that enable clearer financial insights and more accurate reporting.
AI-Driven Insight
Walter’s work at Query Vary and Filepillar is creating AI tools that adapt to the practical requirements of inspectors and field teams. These tools replace legacy processes with faster, more reliable systems that deliver real‑world benefits.
Future Outlook
Through custom solutions for companies like Rosen, Walter is developing AI tools that not only adapt to real‑world needs but also facilitate the creation of faster and more reliable inspection systems.
