Artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics are spearheading transformative changes in the oil and gas sector, driving advancements in operational efficiency, safety, and environmental sustainability, according to GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.
These technologies are revolutionising exploration, production, refining, and logistics, ushering in a new era of heightened productivity and innovation.
“AI and robotics are bringing far and wide changes in the oil and gas sector, fundamentally redefining what is possible. These technologies help us overcome challenges, from cost reduction to enhanced safety and sustainability, setting new benchmarks for efficiency and innovation. From autonomous operations, drilling optimization, plant inspections, to fleet optimization, they are transforming upstream, midstream, and downstream operations and pushing the envelope of efficiency and innovation,” said Saurabh Daga, Project Manager for Disruptive Tech at GlobalData.
GlobalData’s report, “Cognitive Energy: Transforming Oil & Gas with AI and Robotics,” highlights over 50 real-world innovations in the sector. It categorises these innovations by their impact, showcasing potential sector-wide transformation and exploring emerging areas like generative AI and pipeline inspection robotics with practical industry examples.
Carbon reduction initiatives
US-based SLB (formerly Schlumberger) has partnered with UK-based INEOS Energy to integrate AI capabilities through SLB’s Delfi digital platform. This collaboration aims to enhance operational performance across oil and gas operations, carbon capture and storage (CCS), and new acquisitions, marking a significant move towards sustainable, low-carbon energy solutions, especially in the North Sea region.
Precision drilling enhancements
Shell has begun implementing generative AI technology for offshore oil drilling. In collaboration with Texas-based AI startup SparkCognition, Shell is enhancing its deep-sea oil and gas exploration and drilling capabilities through a jointly developed proprietary generative AI approach.
Offshore inspections automation
Petrobras has partnered with robotics startup ANYbotics to automate asset inspection processes at its offshore sites using ANYmal X robotic inspection units. This initiative aims to enhance efficiency and safety by delegating repetitive and hazardous inspection tasks to robots.
Pipeline inspection robots
Japan’s Kawasaki Heavy Industries, in collaboration with France-based TotalEnergies, completed offshore tests using an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) named SPICE for subsea pipeline inspections near Awaji Island, Japan. This AUV, featuring a robot arm, addresses the growing demand for subsea pipeline maintenance in offshore oil and gas fields.
“The oil and gas sector’s future depends on AI and robotics across its entire value chain, from upstream seismic analysis and real-time monitoring to predictive maintenance and autonomous refineries downstream. Challenges like data integration, safety regulations, and skilled labor require collaborative solutions and strategic investments in R&D. Overcoming these hurdles will unlock the passage to AI and robotics-driven efficiency, sustainability, and innovation in the sector,” added Daga.
