From smart sensors to autonomous devices, here's how Saudi Aramco is leading digital transformation

Saudi Aramco’s vision is to lead digital transformation in the energy industry by delineating an approach that supports its technical and administrative activities based on the application of effective technologies, Abdulkareem Al-Ghamdi, Saudi Aramco’s Vice President for power systems, said.

Delivering his speech on Wednesday at the 8th Saudi Arabia Smart Grid Conference (SASG 2018) held in Jeddah, Al-Ghamdi cited a number of projects that the company is implementing, such as the use of robots and self-guided autonomous devices in remote inspection and maintenance in plant areas, and the installation of smart sensors with advanced analytic capabilities that are connected to advanced digital systems.

“Such technologies play an effective role in reducing operating costs and enhancing safety,” said a statement by Saudi Aramco.

Al-Ghamdi pointed out that Saudi Aramco deploys smart control systems in the area of power generation, including the construction of the smart digital control center (iPower) in Dhahran, which is involved in all the company’s operations across the Kingdom.

The center aims to achieve a number of strategic goals, such as enhancing the effectiveness of power generation, transmission and distribution; asset management; and the improvement of safety and reliability through the implementation of real-time power management systems in all future power generation projects, the statement added.

Al-Ghamdi said that Saudi Aramco has entered into strategic partnerships with leading scientific institutions and universities specialized in technology and digital applications, including six training centers for girls in the technical and administrative fields.

The partnership agreements will also help generate promising jobs for Saudi youth.