How AI is reshaping Saudi Aramco’s oil exploration and underwater operations strategy

Saudi Aramco is spearheading the innovations by embracing cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence, both within its core operations and beyond, which places the company ahead of the curve. The Saudi state-owned oil company has significantly invested in research and development compared to its industry peers, allocating approximately 3.5 USD billion in 2023, representing a 15% annual increase despite global challenges. This investment is reflected in its innovative efforts, which extend beyond its primary operations.

GlobalData’s Technology Foresights identifies over 250 areas of innovation involving Aramco, spanning technologies poised to disrupt the oil and gas sector, such as AI, drones, robotics, electric vehicles, and hydrogen technology. Additionally, Aramco has internally developed cybersecurity capabilities to safeguard against cyber threats encountered in recent years.

“The innovation leadership map reveals how the company is employing AI in its core operations and selectively prioritizing the adoption of AI innovations in specific areas of its business. For instance, utilizing AI for oil exploration and underwater operations is a significant strategic focus where the company clearly holds a strong leadership position,” explained Sourabh Nyalkalkar, Practice Head of Innovation Products at GlobalData. “A recently published patent application demonstrates this usage, describing the deployment of drones in sub-surface terrain to capture images. These images are then analyzed using machine learning algorithms to detect oil spills and pollutants. Another application showcases the use of AI/ML for automating seismic data processing and providing real-time updates for sub-surface reservoir models.”

Aramco is expanding its innovation initiatives beyond patents. Last year, the company launched a digital innovation ecosystem named Saudi Accelerated Innovation Laboratory (SAIL). Its goal is to engage with a broader ecosystem, including government organizations and startups, to foster the development of digital innovation products. In March 2024, the company introduced its own LLM through SAIL. Known as Aramco METABRAIN, the generative AI model is trained on data accumulated by the company over the past 90 years.

“Through SAIL, our goal is to create new digital products, new digital ventures, breakthrough IP, and global consortiums to tackle major challenges. One example is the Aramco-IBM Innovation strategic partnership, which through SAIL is expected to be operational in early 2026,” said Amin H. Nasser Saudi Aramco President & CEO during LEAP. “Aramco and IBM will jointly collaborate on technology co-development in areas such as cybersecurity, sustainability, circular economy and material science. SAIL will also take in challenges and opportunities from its market intelligence, perform the required innovation and R&D – then incubate, accelerate, scale, and commercialize novel solutions through Saudi incepted ventures.”