Engineer Develops AI Solutions to Transform Oil and Gas Inspections

The oil and gas industry is entering a new era of efficiency through innovative artificial intelligence (AI) solutions developed by engineer and entrepreneur Walter Frank Pintor Ortiz. His startup, Query Vary, is transforming the way inspection processes are conducted within this high-risk sector, particularly in the area of regulatory compliance and safety reporting.

In industries where accurate documentation is critical, outdated manual processes have left many companies vulnerable to delays and errors. These inefficiencies can compromise both safety and compliance with strict regulations. Query Vary aims to tackle these issues by converting unstructured data from various sources into actionable insights, enhancing the speed and accuracy of inspections.

From Aerospace Engineering to AI Innovation

Walter’s journey began in 2013 when he pursued a master’s degree in aerospace engineering. His career took off at Singapore’s Advanced Remanufacturing and Technology Centre (ARTC), where he worked for seven years, eventually becoming a tech lead. His experience included developing an automated system for coating turbine blades, which significantly improved the safety and reliability of aircraft engines.

Despite his success, Walter sought the dynamic environment of startups, where rapid prototyping and real-time adjustments are possible. This ambition led to the founding of Query Vary, accepted into Y Combinator’s Winter 2022 batch. The platform is designed to empower organizations to create custom AI systems without requiring extensive coding knowledge.

Enhancing Compliance in Oil and Gas Inspections

One of Query Vary’s standout applications is in technical reporting for energy companies. Rosen, a multinational safety inspection firm, faced challenges meeting the standards of API 653, which governs the inspection of above-ground storage tanks. Inspectors were burdened with outdated tools, relying on paper notebooks and inefficient documentation methods that could delay reporting by up to three weeks.

To address these issues, Walter and his team conducted an on-site assessment of Rosen’s operations in Johor Bahru. They discovered that inspectors lacked reliable internet access and struggled with documentation processes. In response, Query Vary developed a custom AI reporting system tailored to the inspectors’ needs. This system enabled inspectors to record findings using explosion-proof tablets capable of functioning offline.

Once internet access was available, the AI model processed the collected data and generated comprehensive reports aligned with API 653 standards. The results were profound; Rosen reported a 90% reduction in report turnaround times, allowing for more timely and accurate compliance with safety regulations.

Since 2025, the approach implemented for Rosen has become a core offering of Query Vary, where Walter continues to serve as Chief Technology Officer. This innovative solution has not only improved safety and compliance but also enhanced the overall efficiency of inspections in the oil and gas industry.

Walter’s entrepreneurial spirit did not stop there. He has since taken on the role of CTO at his second startup, Filepillar, which focuses on financial compliance and tax preparation. Backed by the venture capital firm Antler, Filepillar applies automation techniques similar to those used in Query Vary, aiming to simplify complex financial reporting processes.

Through his work with Query Vary and Filepillar, Walter Frank Pintor Ortiz is leading the charge in integrating AI technologies into sectors that demand precision and reliability. By replacing outdated methods with advanced systems, he is helping the oil and gas industry navigate the challenges of compliance and safety in a rapidly evolving landscape.