AI and the Future of Drilling: Insights Ahead of OTC Asia

AI is no longer just an experiment in the energy sector. As offshore operations become more data-driven, drilling teams are looking for ways to turn large volumes of operational data into faster, smarter decisions in real time. But while many companies are investing in AI, the real challenge lies in scaling these technologies and embedding them into daily workflows.

Ahead of OTC Asia (31 March - 2 April in Kuala Lumpur), we spoke with Carolina Barros, Growth Director Wells at Kongsberg Digital, who will join the panel “AI in Energy: Enhancing Efficiency, Decision-Making and Cybersecurity.” She shares her perspective on the role of AI, the importance of reliable operational data, and what the industry should focus on next.

From experimentation to operational use

“I’m particularly looking forward to the conversations with operators and industry peers about how AI is moving from concept to real operational use,” she says.

Many companies are experimenting with digital technologies, but the real challenge is scaling them and embedding them into daily workflows .

During the panel discussion, Carolina will focus on the role of structured real-time data and AI in drilling and well operations, and the importance of connectivity across digital systems.

"Structured real-time data and AI can support better decision-making and improve operational efficiency. At the same time, governance and stronger connectivity between rigs, cloud platforms and analytics engines will be increasingly important."

Why data quality still holds the industry back

Despite advances in analytics and digital platforms, data quality remains one of the biggest barriers to effective AI in drilling operations.

“We now have access to increasing amounts of operational data, and systems are becoming more connected,” Carolina says. “However, if the data is not structured, reliable and delivered consistently, it becomes difficult to generate meaningful insights.”

Without a strong data foundation:

• AI models struggle to produce reliable results

• Insights become difficult to trust

• Operational decisions remain reactive

In short, AI is only as good as the data behind it.

For drilling teams, this makes data standardisation and quality control essential before advanced analytics can deliver real operational value.

From reactive to predictive decision-making

AI and digitalisation are already beginning to change how drilling teams approach operations.

“AI and digitalisation can help drilling teams move from reactive operations to more predictive decision-making,” Carolina explains.

By analysing real-time operational data in context, teams can detect patterns earlier, anticipate potential issues and optimise performance while operations are still running.

Turning operational data into decision support

At OTC Asia, Kongsberg Digital will showcase how SiteCom helps drilling teams access and use operational data more effectively.

SiteCom has been supporting drilling operations for more than two decades, continuously evolving to meet the industry’s growing data and decision-support needs. Read more in our blog: SiteCom: 20 years of development, built for what’s next 

Through SiteCom, real-time data from rigs and service providers is:

• Collected
• Standardised
• Made accessible in one environment

This creates a reliable foundation for operational decision-making.

“Our platform also includes a collaboration environment where teams can exchange information and search historical operational data,” Carolina says.

These capabilities allow engineers to:

• Compare current operations with past events
• Identify similar operational scenarios
• Build stronger context for operational decisions

By structuring and contextualising operational data, platforms like SiteCom also create the foundation for AI models to analyse patterns across historical and real-time operations, enabling more advanced decision support capabilities.

Ultimately, this helps teams use operational data more effectively and make better-informed decisions.

What the next 3–5 years of AI in drilling may look like

Looking ahead, Carolina expects AI to evolve beyond isolated analytics models toward integrated operational decision support.

Over the next three to five years, I see the greatest opportunity for AI moving from isolated analytics models to real operational decision support.

As data quality and standardisation improve, AI will help drilling teams turn large volumes of operational data into clearer insights and context. Importantly, Carolina emphasises that AI will augment, not replace human expertise.

“Rather than replacing engineers, AI will support operational teams by identifying patterns, comparing with historical operations and helping anticipate issues earlier.”

At the centre of this transformation is structured, real-time operational data, which Carolina describes as essential for enabling more intelligent drilling workflows.

 

 

Meet us at OTC Asia

OTC Asia brings together operators, technology providers and industry experts shaping the future of offshore energy.

If you are attending the event in Kuala Lumpur, connect with Kongsberg Digital to learn how technologies like SiteCom help drilling teams:

• Turn operational data into actionable insight
• Improve decision-making
• Build a stronger foundation for AI-driven operations