Borouge has set a target of generating US$575mn in value by 2025. (Image source: Borogue)

Borouge is working with Yokogawa UAE Industry to test AI-powered autonomous control room operations at its Ruwais facility in Abu Dhabi

The proof-of-concept will use advanced AI tools to analyse plant data, detect patterns, and predict anomalies, allowing faster corrective actions and reducing the risk of unplanned shutdowns. It will also assess how autonomous control could improve efficiency and optimise overall performance.

Borouge has set a target of generating US$575mn in value by 2025 through technology and AI-driven initiatives. By the end of Q2, the company had already achieved US$307mn.

At Ruwais, Yokogawa is trialling AI operations at the Borouge 3 Cracker, while Honeywell is running a parallel project at the Borouge 2 Cracker. Together, the initiatives aim to deliver the petrochemical industry’s first fully autonomous AI-driven control room.

Hazeem Sultan Al Suwaidi, chief executive officer of Borouge, said, "As we progress our AI, Digitalisation and Technology (AIDT) transformation programme, our goal is to deliver an AI-powered autonomous control room at what will be the single largest petrochemical site in the world, enabling Borouge to accelerate growth and create lasting value for shareholders.”

Norinao Sato, president and CEO of Yokogawa Middle East & Africa, commented, “An AI-powered control room is a next generation operational hub that leverages artificial intelligence, machine learning and automation to optimise decision-making, automate processes, enhance safety and boost efficiency sustainably, transforming the control room from a reactive monitoring station to a proactive, intelligent command centre.”

Kriti Sharma, CEO IFS Nexus Black. (Image source: IFS)

The global adoption of Industrial AI is accelerating rapidly, and is set to double from 32% to 59% within 12 months, according to a recent study from IFS, a leading provider of Industrial AI Sofware

However, according to The IFS Invisible Revolution Study 2025*, which surveyed over 1,700 senior decision makers at industrial enterprises globally, organisations are not fully prepared for its full implementation, creating what IFS calls the ‘AI Execution Gap,’ with 52% of senior leaders saying their management teams don’t fully understand AI, and 99% of global workforces requiring major reskilling to scale AI impact.

“AI is a core driver of business performance, it’s time to plug the AI Execution Gap – bring people, process and product together to deliver tangible outcomes,” said Kriti Sharma, CEO, IFS Nexus Black. “The pace of adoption is inspiring, but the next big unlock will come from scaling trust, strategy, and talent. Industrial AI is a powerful force for good, and we’re in a moment of opportunity: those who move fast will lead the next decade of industry.”

More than half of business leaders (53%) admit their organisation still lacks a clear AI strategy, yet the study clearly highlights the benefits available to companies that embrace AI. 70% of businesses report better-than-expected ROI from their AI investments, and on average 88% say AI has already improved profitability. Training and upskilling will be key to ensuring that industrial companies remain relevant.

Despite growing confidence in AI’s potential, there are still issues with trust. Only 29% of global leaders are comfortable allowing AI to make strategic decisions autonomously, while 68% say a human must still confirm or approve AI-generated outputs. Concerns about bias also persist. 65% of global leaders support the creation of an independent, international AI regulatory body to help close the trust gap.

Business model shift

The report highlights how Industrial AI is changing how businesses are run, automating maintenance, predicting disruptions, optimising supply chains, and facilitating intelligent decision-making across field service, asset management, and manufacturing. 54% of global organisations are using automation AI, while 45% are deploying predictive AI. Already, 35% are experimenting with Agentic AI, capable of autonomously executing decisions across workflows. Traditional business models are being influenced by AI with 77% of global leaders saying it is accelerating servitisation, the evolution from product sales to outcome-based services, where businesses deliver uptime, performance, and continuous value instead of just physical goods.

Sharma continued, “Industrial AI is moving into real-time, decision-grade intelligence embedded across the enterprise. It’s already securely automating the complex, predicting the unexpected, and powering new service-led business models. This is about shifting from tasks to transformation, and the organisations who embrace that shift will lead the next industrial chapter.”

patenThe Y-shaped drilling module is now rated for operating pressures up to 10,000 psi. (Image source: GD Energy Products)

GD Energy Products (GDEP), the solutions provider for the frac, drilling and well servicing pumps market, has released an upgraded version of its patented Y-shaped drilling module rated for operating pressures up to 10,000 psi, to meet increasingly challenging oilfield conditions

As drilling operations push towards longer laterals and higher-pressure environments, traditional L-shape valve-over-valve modules rated for 7,500 psi have suffered from accelerated wear, resulting in costly downtime and increased operational risk. GDEP’s Y-shaped module addresses these challenges with advanced bore geometry that minimises stress in high-load areas, improving the life expectancy of the module.

Made from heat-treated, high-grade alloy steel, the Y-shape’s unique internal bore geometry significantly reduces stress concentrations, extending the life of high-value parts and lowering total maintenance costs. Its API 7 standard-compliant valve assembly helps minimise fluid velocity, ensuring smoother flow and reduced wear.

The two-piece design helps to reduce maintenance costs, as operators can now replace only the suction component, rather than replacing the entire module.

Chris Degginger, vice president of engineering, GDEP, said, “Our Y-shaped module has been a trusted performer in the field for years. Its unique geometry has been field-proven to maintain performance even under the intense pressure requirements of modern drilling conditions. With its new 10,000 psi rating, operators can confidently tackle high-pressure operations while lowering maintenance costs and improving safety.”

The upgraded Y-shaped module is compatible with GDEP’s PZ 1600 and PZ 2000 pump models.

The new technology advances artificial lift oilfield intelligence. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Halliburton has launched SK Well Pages as part of its Summit Knowledge (SK) digital ecosystem 

Halliburton’s SK integrates essential data sources and uses advanced data science to automate workflows, delivering a complete picture of ESP/HPS systems with automated workflows to improve quality control and operational efficiency. It helps the user make better decisions and maximise production and equipment life by incorporating historical engineering, manufacturing, and real-time operational data using artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML).

Advancing artificial lift oilfield intelligence, SK Well Pages features an all-in-one workspace for electric submersible pump (ESP) operations and provides real-time insights enabling operators to make faster, smarter decisions for optimal production.

SK Well Pages draws on deep ESP experience and advanced data science techniques to enhance data visibility with customisable and intuitive dashboards for proactive monitoring of real-time pump performance, surface sensors, and production data. The SK digital ecosystem integrates and powers advanced tools such as SpyGlass pump sizing software and the Intelevate platform for remote monitoring and control. Predictive models, intelligent alerts, and trend analyses help minimise downtime and increase production.

“We provide customers with advanced digital tools that give them clarity and control to make confident decisions. The Summit Knowledge digital ecosystem with SK Well Pages is a powerful step forward in the journey of how we deliver digital innovation for superior ESP optimisation,” said Greg Schneider, vice president, Artificial Lift, Halliburton.