Multiple autonomous control AI agents were deployed at Aramco’s Fadhili Gas Plant. (Image source: Aramco)

Yokogawa Electric Corporation, a leader in process automation technology, has successfully deployed multiple autonomous control AI agents at Aramco’s Fadhili Gas Plant in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to enhance operational efficiency

The AI solution developed by Yokogawa uses multiple, coordinated AI agents of the Factorial Kernel Dynamic Policy Programming (FKDPP) reinforcement learning-based AI algorithm to directly and autonomously control and optimise acid gas removal (AGR) operations at the plant.

The solution was introduced in three phases, progressively optimising various sections until autonomous control of the core process in the AGR unit was achieved. To ensure safety, Yokogawa first created a simulator of the plant to train AI agents, and then evaluated their reliability and validity. Subsequently, they were integrated with Yokogawa's CENTUM VP integrated production control system to leverage the safety functions of the existing plant.

Initial results from Fadhili Gas Plant demonstrate a 10% to 15% reduction in its amine and steam usage, around 5% reduction in power usage, improved process stability, and a significant decrease in operator manual intervention, despite ambient condition changes.

Aramco Engineering Services senior vice president, Khalid Y. Al Qahtani, said, “Aramco has embarked on an ambitious plan to unlock value by deploying a wide range of industrial AI applications across our operations. The collaboration with Yokogawa is one of many initiatives that focus on improving efficiency, enhancing sustainability, and generating more value for our shareholders. It reflects how the company is harnessing advanced technology, including AI, to elevate its performance and reinforce its position as a technology leader in the energy sector. We look forward to building on this important milestone, as we explore further adoption of cutting-edge solutions that will contribute to a new era of industrial innovation.”

Kunimasa Shigeno, director, president & CEO, and representative executive officer of Yokogawa Electric, said, “We are honoured that Yokogawa was entrusted by Aramco to implement such ground-breaking technology in one of its major facilities. We are very pleased that the results have already exceeded expectations. Yokogawa is advocating the transition from industrial automation to industrial autonomy (IA2IA), and this deployment proves that we are ready to lead the way towards safe and secure autonomous operations for plants in the energy sector.”

FliCS will provide valuable diagnostics for matrix acid stimulation for Middle East clients. (Image source: WellSense)

WellSense, a specialist in fibre optic well diagnostics, will demonstrate the results from its successful field trial of its new well conveyance technology at ADIPEC

Developed at WellSense’s UK headquarters and R&D hub in Aberdeen, the FiberLine Intervention Conveyance System (FliCS) well conveyance technology, designed to improve the speed, quality, cost and efficiency of diagnostic surveys in horizontal wells, is able to rapidly deploy bare fibre into highly deviated wells.

WellSense successfully completed a technology field trial for a major international operator in August 2025, where the single-use, jet-propelled and battery powered system deployed bare fibre into a 19,000 foot uncompleted well in the Permian Basin for cross well strain monitoring. The deployment took just 50 minutes, around 10 times faster than a standard pumpdown operation. The prototype model deploys 25,000 feet of fibre in little over an hour, travelling around ~350ft./min. versus ~35 ft./min. for a conventional tractor conveyance. The lightweight components can be left in the toe of the well or pushed to the bottom. The new well access solution introduces the ability to deploy Fli into horizontal wells to acquire distributed acoustic sensing and distributed temperature sensing data across the reservoir.

The operator has confirmed its intention to redeploy the technology in four further projects over the next three months.

In the Middle East, the technology promises to provide valuable diagnostics for matrix acid stimulation, an approach widely used to improve carbonate rock matrix permeability and flow channels, so improved knowledge of fluid placement can enhance treatment and diretly improve well performance.

Annabel Green, CEO at WellSense, said, “FliCS will provide well operators a cost-effective, low risk well surveillance solution for horizontal wells for the first time. While it will have many applications in well integrity, it also enables a major expansion of injection profiling capabilities. This has global application, providing performance data to enable water injection to be optimised for effective pressure support and oil displacement."

WellSense is looking to deliver its first, multi-unit, prototype order while developing a slimmer model for deployment through smaller tubing, with a view to commercial launch early next year. It is looking to actively engage with customers at ADIPEC and beyond to discuss opportunities.

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.