Smart Tech for the Oil and Gas Sectors: How AI Can Help Manage Millions of Devices

The oil and gas industry is rapidly adopting smart technology, integrating millions of new Internet of Things and industrial control systems devices. These aren’t just industrial sensors and pumps; they also include cameras, access control systems and perimeter protection devices, creating a vast and complex network.

At the end of 2023, there were about 7.8 million connected devices globally in this sector, and that number is projected to soar to 11.1 million by late 2025 and nearly 18.8 million by 2028, according to a report from Berg Insight. This growth, while boosting efficiency, also significantly expands the “attack surface”—meaning more potential entry points for cyber threats.

Managing and securing this ever-growing ecosystem manually is becoming an overwhelming task. While critical systems will always require human oversight, many “less critical” devices—like secondary sensors, environmental monitors and even some security cameras—can benefit from automation. This is where artificial intelligence becomes invaluable.

AI can act as a super-smart assistant, capable of overseeing countless devices simultaneously. Applications include:

• Early problem detection: AI can spot subtle changes or unusual patterns in device behavior that humans might miss. This includes anomalies in industrial equipment or suspicious activity from security devices, allowing issues to be addressed before they escalate into major problems or security breaches.
• Automating routine tasks: AI can handle repetitive tasks such as checking device health, ensuring configurations are correct, and identifying deviations. This frees up human experts to focus on more complex operational and security challenges.
• Enhanced performance and security: By learning normal operating patterns, AI can suggest optimizations for device performance and flag activities that could indicate a cyber threat, thereby improving both efficiency and security posture.
• Unified operational view: AI can integrate data from diverse devices—from pumps and pipelines to security cameras and access points—providing a comprehensive overview of both operational status and potential vulnerabilities across the entire infrastructure.

To integrate AI strategically, companies should start with a few simple steps:

1. Begin with less critical devices: Use AI to monitor auxiliary sensors and certain security devices, allowing the system to learn and demonstrate its value in lower-risk areas.
2. Integrate with existing tools: Embed AI insights into current dashboards and workflows, ensuring teams can leverage the technology without disruptive changes.
3. Pilot in remote environments: Test AI solutions in remote or harsh locations, where many new wireless industrial and security devices are being deployed.
4. Establish clear guidelines: Define AI’s role, especially concerning safety and cybersecurity, to ensure human oversight remains paramount for critical decisions.

As the oil and gas industry continues its digital transformation, AI will be crucial for maintaining safe, efficient, and secure operations amidst a rapidly expanding and increasingly complex device landscape.

The views and opinions expressed in guest posts and/or profiles are those of the authors or sources and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Security Industry Association.

This article originally appeared in All Things AI, a newsletter presented by the SIA AI Advisory Board.