The report forecasts an acceleration in the pace of digitalisation. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Oil and gas companies are undergoing a seismic shift, driven by rapid digitalisation and the integration of advanced technologies, according to a new report by GlobalData for Rockwell Automation

According to the Oil and Gas Technology Outlook for 2030 and Beyond, which covers the key technologies in the oil and gas industry, artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and cybersecurity are at the forefront of this transformation, reshaping operations from exploration to refining.

The report outlines five critical findings:

1. Digitalisation is now a strategic imperative

Companies are moving beyond isolated tech deployments to fully integrated digital ecosystems. Over 50% of industry leaders report that technologies like cloud computing, cybersecurity, and AI are already disrupting their operations.

2. Key drivers fuelling adoption

Technological innovation, environmental compliance, supply chain resilience, and workforce challenges are accelerating the need for digital solutions. Predictive maintenance, remote monitoring, and automation are helping companies reduce downtime and improve safety.

3. Emerging technologies reshape operations

AI is being used to optimise drilling paths, forecast demand, and enhance refining processes. IoT sensors provide real-time data for equipment health and environmental monitoring. Electrification and smart motor systems are helping reduce emissions and energy costs.

4. Strategic roadmap for digital success

The report emphasises the importance of a clear digital strategy, choosing the right delivery model (e.g., SaaS or hybrid partnerships), and fostering a digital-first workforce. Companies must also stay ahead of evolving tech and data regulations.

5. AI as the central innovation engine

With projected spending in the energy sector reaching US$18.5bn by 2028, AI is enabling smarter decision-making, immersive training, and autonomous operations. Its integration with digital twins, edge computing, and VR/AR is unlocking new efficiencies across the value chain.

The report concludes that the pace of digitisation in the oil and gas industry will continue if not accelerate over coming years. The industry remains a hotbed of innovation as companies look to improve productivity, reduce downtime, and enhance safety. The pace of digitalisation also reflects the recent developments in the field of AI, which is seeing widespread application across multiple technology domains. Its integration with a range of other technologies is driving advancements and new capabilities that will further enhance innovation, performance and efficiency within the oil and gas industry.

However, digital technologies are not a core area of expertise among oil and gas companies. Considering the variety of digital solutions available in the market and the challenges that can arise when adopting these solutions, oil and gas companies need a clear digital strategy before embarking on, or widening, their digitalisation journey.

“The convergence of information and operational technology is redefining how energy companies operate,” said Fabio Mielli, strategic business developer, Rockwell Automation. “By aligning advanced digital tools with measurable production outcomes, we’re helping the industry build resilience and agility for the future.”

The full report is available from Rockwell Automation and GlobalData here.

Flir's products enhance safety, sustainability and operational efficiency. (Image source: Flir)

Highlighting products that enhance safety, sustainability and operational efficiency across critical industries, Teledyne Flir will be exhibiting their portfolio at ADIPEC 2025, scheduled from 3 to 6 November in Abu Dhabi 

Flir's condition monitoring solutions include the iXX, Assetlink, Si2 series, and Exx series. These come in a range of handheld and fixed monitoring tools as well as inspection software, all designed to make condition monitoring more efficient and help companies maximise their uptime.

Alongside condition monitoring solutions, Flir will also be showcasing its thermal imaging and sensing solutions at ADIPEC 2025.

Flir’s Early Fire Detection solutions harness advanced radiometric thermal imaging to identify heat anomalies before smoke or flames appear. Ideal for high-risk environments such as recycling centers, battery storage sites, and industrial facilities, these systems enable continuous monitoring and rapid intervention to prevent costly damage. The Flir A700f, a fixed-mount thermal camera with onboard analytics, delivers precise temperature measurements and intelligent alerts to enhance safety and operational continuity. Come talk to us on Flir stand XX and find out how our technology can protect your critical infrastructure.

Flir will also showcase its Optical Gas Imaging (OGI) technology, featuring the Gx320 and QL320 cameras. These advanced tools visualise and quantify gas leaks in real time, helping industries meet environmental compliance and reduce emissions. Powered by Flir’s ADGiLE solution, users gain automated detection, geolocation, and reporting capabilities—streamlining inspections and improving safety across oil & gas, chemical, and energy sectors.

The launch of Opti-TEK underscores Hunting’s ongoing drive to innovate within the well intervention sector. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Hunting PLC has introduced Opti-TEK, a new suite of optimised intervention technologies aimed at helping operators extend well life, minimise downtime, enhance decision-making, and lower both operational costs and environmental impact

Developed through Hunting’s TEK-HUB innovation platform, Opti-TEK combines the company’s internal expertise with strategic technology partnerships to accelerate the delivery of next-generation tools to the market.

The initial range of products includes:
• Opti-TEK slickline tubing cutter: A disruptive, non-explosive, battery-powered downhole cutting tool that operates autonomously with CNC precision, ensuring safe, efficient, and verified severance during plug and abandonment (P&A) operations or in environmentally sensitive areas.
• Opti-TEK data stem: A cost-effective, plug-and-play slickline tool providing downhole intelligence by capturing pressure, temperature, accelerometer, and CCL data at a fraction of conventional system costs.
• Opti-TEK monitoring system for greaseless cable pack-off: Delivers real-time data tracking and predictive maintenance for greaseless cable pack-off heads.
• Opti-TEK valves: Lightweight, compact, and service-friendly wireline valves offering high cutting force from low-pressure inputs, marking a step-change in valve design.

Allan Gill, product line director for Well Intervention, commented, “Opti-TEK represents Hunting’s commitment to delivering smarter, safer and more cost-effective interventions. By aligning cutting-edge innovation with real-world operational demands, we are enabling our customers to optimise every intervention and maximise the value of their asset.”

The Opti-TEK portfolio will be showcased at ADIPEC this year.

Weatherford has launched Weatherford Industrial Intelligence at the company’s flagship FWRD 2025 Technology Conference in Houston

Weatherford Industrial Intelligence contextualises the physical world through physics-based and data-driven software. This delivers actionable insights for every end user, from engineers to executives, resulting in greater reliability, improved efficiency, and enhanced performance across the energy value chain.

The new portfolio sees the integration of Modern Edge, which enables customers to modernise their edge operations and facilitate autonomous production, with the flexibility to expand operations, while optimising resource usage and reducing costs. It features:
• Weatherford Autonomous Surveillance Platform (WASP) – Provides full-time remote visibility above, below, and on-surface infrastructure and assets using a network of distributed fibre optic systems, cameras, and IoT devices.
• R2TUs Edge Device Family – Family of Edge Devices with embedded physics and empirical models, as well as network models that are self-connected and powered to deliver closed-loop automation in the field.
• MetaFlow Virtual Flow Meter (VFM) – Delivers accurate, real-time flow measurements using AI and physics-based models in conjunction with existing and new flow meters.

Unified data model

Weatherford is also advancing its own unified data model through its Synsera Unified Data Model, which integrates multi-asset, multigeneration asset metadata across operations into a structure of the customers’ choosing. By combining operational and financial analysis into an API-supported framework, the platform enables smarter decision-making and streamlined workflows across facilities.

In addition, the WFRD Software Launchpad gives customers a single, comprehensive industrial SaaS platform to manage all of their software needs, providing a secure and centralised point of access for all Weatherford and partner-built applications while also giving customers the ability to publish their own applications to be consumed across the enterprise.

Girish Saligram, president and chief executive officer of Weatherford, commented, “Weatherford Industrial Intelligence empowers our customers to accelerate adoption, regardless of infrastructure maturity, by integrating our software, our partners’ software, and our customers’ systems with any hardware. With domain intelligence embedded at the edge and grounded in decades of engineering expertise, we deliver automation that drives safer operations, greater efficiency, and stronger returns.”