Automation is reshaping operations and transforming the nature of work across the global energy industry, according to recent analysis by GlobalData.
The firm’s latest research highlights how the technology behind automation is itself evolving, with robotic process automation (RPA) now advancing into intelligent automation — combining artificial intelligence and complementary innovations with RPA to streamline and enhance complex business processes.
In its overarching Future of Work report, GlobalData frames this progression as vital for businesses to understand how automation technologies are adapting to meet increasingly complex operational demands.
Within the energy sector, both inter- and intra-industry impacts of automation are becoming increasingly visible.
The report highlights how the transition toward automated and intelligent technologies is becoming essential for maintaining competitiveness and operational resilience.
The report details: “Automation, including robotics, drones, 3D printing and intelligent automation, is a critical investment for all industry segments except end-users, where it is irrelevant.
“Automation technologies will help solve a range of industry challenges, most notably improving productivity and efficiency by handling operations and maintenance tasks.
This trajectory is playing out across the oil and gas sector.
GlobalData’s Future of Work in Oil & Gas report emphasises automation as a cornerstone of health and safety within one of the world’s most challenging industries.
The report states that automation “is key for health and safety”.
The report notes that adopting automation technologies can greatly enhance health and safety within an industry known for its risks.
In remote or offshore environments, the use of robots and drones reduces dangers related to working at heights, accessing complex equipment, and exposure to harmful chemicals and gases.
The report purports that automated systems can function around the clock, improving productivity while lowering costs.
Automation also allows for real-time oversight and control from a central hub, enabling efficient remote asset management.
This approach increases operational transparency and supports faster, more effective decision-making and response during emergencies or anomaly situations.
As intelligent automation continues to develop, combining the adaptability of AI with the precision of robotics, its role in the global energy sector is poised to expand even further — ushering in an era of smarter, safer, and more efficient industrial operations.