Artificial Intelligence in Process Control – Features

Brian Neve’s article highlights how AI can assist process engineers while emphasizing that it cannot replace core expertise.
Edge AI is crucial for local models and soft sensors that enhance monitoring, tuning, and decision-making in process control.
Knowledge preservation is essential to provide a stable training base for AI systems and ensure future engineers’ preparedness.
Despite AI’s rapid advancement, its adoption in process industries will be slow due to safety concerns, security issues, and regulatory requirements.
AI’s immediate impact is seen in engineering and construction, streamlining documentation and projects, and reducing errors.
Engineers must develop “prompt engineering” skills to effectively utilize AI and ensure reliable, safe outcomes, with critical validation of AI suggestions.
The shift towards AI-assisted operations relies on maintaining a robust transfer of domain knowledge from retired senior engineers to ensure AI’s optimal implementation.