SLB announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding with Qualcomm Technologies to develop advanced artificial intelligence (AI) solutions aimed at the energy industry.
The collaboration will combine both companies’ expertise in edge computing, data processing, and the Internet of Things (IoT), with the goal of strengthening real-time operational decision-making in complex and remote production environments.
The initiative integrates Qualcomm Technologies’ low-power computing and AI processing capabilities with SLB’s Agora™ edge AI and IoT platform, specifically designed to operate in energy infrastructure where connectivity and immediate response are critical factors.
Edge AI gains prominence in the energy industry
Operators’ growing interest in automating processes and moving toward more autonomous production environments is driving the adoption of AI systems capable of operating directly in the field. This trend reduces reliance on centralized data centers and enables decisions to be executed closer to operational assets.
According to Rakesh Jaggi, President of SLB’s Digital division, the collaboration aims to facilitate the deployment of AI solutions tailored to real-world energy operations conditions.
“Many energy operations depend on real-time decision-making in remote environments where connectivity and responsiveness directly affect performance. AI systems designed for these conditions can contribute to more consistent and autonomous workflows,” Jaggi stated.
Edge computing for remote operating environments
Edge computing, or edge computing, enables data to be processed close to the source where it is generated, reducing latency and improving operational continuity. This approach is particularly relevant for energy facilities located in remote areas, where connectivity limitations can affect the efficiency of centralized systems.
Nakul Duggal, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Qualcomm Technologies’ Automotive, Industrial and Embedded IoT and Robotics group, noted that many industrial applications require solutions capable of operating under power and communications constraints.
“This collaboration brings low-power AI processing closer to energy operations and helps enable new edge intelligence use cases, supporting progress toward more autonomous workflows,” Duggal noted.
Operational modernization and strengthened cybersecurity
The companies indicated that they will work on developing AI applications for energy production operations using SLB’s digital solutions and Qualcomm Technologies’ edge computing capabilities.
In addition to improving operational efficiency, these solutions are expected to help modernize legacy infrastructure and strengthen cybersecurity in operational technology (OT) environments, an increasingly relevant aspect in the digitalization of energy systems.
The collaboration reflects a growing industry trend toward integrating artificial intelligence directly into productive assets and processes, with the aim of building more resilient, automated operations that are better prepared to respond to the challenges of the energy transition.
Source and photo: https://www.slb.com/