SoftServe Uses AI to Minimize Risk and Maximize Safety in Oil & Gas
Hatem Nasr, Head of Energy, Industry Success Leader at SoftServe, says the company is redefining safety in oil and gas by applying Gen AI, Agentic AI, and machine vision to detect hazards, predict failures, and improve HSE compliance.
How is SoftServe leveraging digital transformation to enhance safety standards and minimize risks for workers in the oil and gas sector?
SoftServe is leveraging digital technologies, particularly Generative AI (Gen AI), Agentic AI, and machine vision, to enhance safety standards. These technologies enable the processing of various types of data, such as images and videos, helping identify hazards and ensure proper safety protocols. SoftServe has developed several accelerators, including Worker Safety Solution (in collaboration with SAS) and intelligent CCTV monitoring systems that use several AI technologies such as computer vision, Gen AI, and Agentic AI to monitor work activities and ensure compliance with HSE (Health, Safety, and Environment) requirements, thereby minimizing risks for workers and the environment.
Can you share specific ways in which Gen AI is being applied to predict and prevent accidents in hazardous environments, such as drilling rigs or refineries?
SoftServe applied an intelligent CCTV solution to oil and gas upstream applications. This solution leverages Gen AI and Visual Language Models (VLMs) to analyze complex video streams from hundreds of cameras installed in oilfield assets. These models analyze visual data to interpret scenes, detect hazards, and even engage in dialogue to answer a variety of queries. SoftServe also developed a Gen AI Multimodal RAG system that can ingest HSE manuals, historical reports, and detailed incidents. This system can serve as an assistant to operators to answer critical questions about safety protocols.
What role do real-time data analytics and AI-driven monitoring play in safeguarding plant operations against potential failures or safety breaches?
Real-time analytics is one part of the solution; Machine learning AI-driven predictive maintenance and anomaly detection are crucial. SoftServe has built several predictive models to help detect system anomalies and predict failures, which could lead to serious safety incidents if left unchecked, especially in downstream operations like refining. Gen AI is enhancing knowledge capture and management to leverage historical data and expert knowledge, identifying patterns and issuing early warnings that protect both equipment and personnel.
How are digital twins and AI-based simulations helping oil and gas companies train their workforce and prepare them for high-risk situations?
Digital twins allow companies to create virtual models of physical systems, enabling real-time simulation of scenarios. These models can visualize operational conditions, simulate “what-if” scenarios, and suggest corrective actions. SoftServe has a strong practice in digital twins, partnering with NVIDIA Omniverse and using Physics-Informed Neural Networks (PhysicsNeMo) to model complex systems. These tools are used in projects with specific clients to simulate downhole chemical plants and refining systems.
In terms of cybersecurity, how is Gen AI helping protect critical oil and gas infrastructure from evolving cyberthreats that could endanger both plant safety and manpower?
SoftServe has a robust cybersecurity practice across industries, with specialty focuses across application security, cloud & infrastructure security, as well as risk & security compliance. Gen AI’s potential in this area includes threat detection and response automation. Still, these specific applications are not yet actively pursued by SoftServe as cybersecurity work within oil and gas is currently limited. However, the company acknowledges and emphasizes the importance of cybersecurity as part of the broader HSE strategy.
What challenges do oil and gas companies face when adopting AI-driven safety solutions, and how does SoftServe support them in overcoming these barriers?
Oil and gas companies are highly conservative when adopting new technologies, especially those related to safety. They require solutions to be robust, thoroughly tested, and explainable. SoftServe addresses these concerns by deploying solutions and demonstrating them in real-world field environments, starting with small-scale pilots (e.g., 5–10 wells or a few compressors) before scaling operations and implementations. SoftServe has developed a rigorous process and testing process that ensures reliability and builds trust with clients.
Looking ahead, how do you see Gen AI and digital transformation reshaping the future of health, safety, and environment (HSE) practices across the oil and gas industry?
The convergence of Gen AI, Agentic AI, and Physical AI is set to revolutionize HSE practices. Gen AI interprets data and identifies risks, while Agentic AI automates responses—such as issuing work orders or alerts. Physical AI, involving intelligent robots, will enable unmanned platforms and autonomous hazard response. Together, these technologies will create self-learning, proactive safety ecosystems, transforming how oil and gas companies manage health, safety, and environmental risks.
