**Orlando**: A recent ARC Advisory Group survey indicates industrial leaders see AI as the most impactful technology for operational changes in the next five years, highlighting its role in data centrality, workforce training, and enhancing safety through innovative applications discussed at the ARC Forum.
A recent survey conducted in the fourth quarter of 2024 by the ARC Advisory Group revealed that industrial leaders view artificial intelligence (AI) as the most impactful digital technology expected to influence industrial operations over the next five years. This finding was a prominent theme at the ARC Forum held in February in Orlando, Florida, where discussions revolved around the implementation of various AI tools in industrial applications.
Keynote speaker Nico Duursema, CEO of the energy transition company Cerilon, highlighted the significance of structured and contextualised data as a foundation for effective AI tools. Cerilon is currently developing a gas-to-liquids facility in North Dakota designed as a “born-digital” plant, focusing on “data centrality” and supported by machine-learning AI.
As discussions progressed, attendees acknowledged that maximising the potential of industrial AI necessitates the development of tailored tools for different skills and use cases. Participants were introduced to concepts such as causal AI, which investigates cause-and-effect relationships to enhance predictive capabilities and root-cause analyses. Additionally, agentic AI, involving multiple AI agents with specialised skills working towards shared objectives, was also a point of interest.
Generative AI emerged as another key topic at the forum, specifically regarding its application in natural language models (NLMs) that serve as user interfaces for plant personnel. Ibrahim Al-Syed, digital manager at Celanese Corporation, noted the importance of human-centred design in deploying AI systems at the company’s manufacturing facility in Clear Lake, Texas. Through a collaboration with the industrial software developer Cognite, Celanese personnel are now utilising an NLM-based interface to access crucial plant and process data. Cognite’s approach integrates AI agents with specialised training that connects to chat-based NLMs, designed for tasks such as troubleshooting and simulation, enhancing operational efficiency.
The pressing workforce challenges within the chemical process industries (CPI) also underline the importance of incorporating AI technologies. With a growing number of experienced workers retiring and taking invaluable knowledge with them, generative AI can play a crucial role in capturing, organising, and transferring that expertise to newer employees. “Facilities are seeing diminishing experience overall,” remarked Chris Stogner, senior director of offer management at Schneider Electric. The company is exploring AI’s potential in process safety, an area traditionally low in AI application. During the ARC event, Schneider announced a patent regarding the use of AI technology to generate process hazard analyses (PHAs) and layers-of-protection analyses (LOPAs) for industrial processes. Stogner indicated that human bias can infiltrate these analyses, and utilising AI aims to restore objectivity to the hazard assessment process. Schneider is actively seeking industrial partners to co-develop and test this AI capability, employing dual AI agents designed to identify process dangers and propose mitigative solutions.
The ARC Forum served as a significant platform for dialogue on the evolving role of AI in the industrial sector, signalling a shift towards more data-dependent operations designed to enhance decision-making, safety, and workforce training. The evolution of AI tools tailored to specific industrial contexts appears set to redefine industry standards and practices over the coming years.
Source: Noah Wire Services
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