Research and innovation in artificial intelligence (AI) in the offshore oil and gas industry operations and technologies sector has declined in the last year. The most recent figures show that the number of AI-related patent applications in the industry stood at 54 in the three months ending January – down from 100 over the same period in 2020.
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Figures for patent grants related to AI followed a similar pattern to filings – shrinking from 24 in the three months ending January 2020 to four in the same period in 2021.
The figures are compiled by GlobalData, which tracks patent filings and grants from official offices around the world. Using textual analysis, as well as official patent classifications, these patents are grouped into key thematic areas and linked to key companies across various industries.
AI is one of the key areas tracked by GlobalData. It has been identified as being a key disruptive force facing companies in the coming years, and is one of the areas that companies investing resources in now are expected to reap rewards from. The figures also provide an insight into the largest innovators in the sector.
Schlumberger was the top AI innovator in the offshore oil and gas industry operations and technologies sector in the latest quarter. The company, which has its headquarters in the US, filed 22 AI-related patents in the three months ending January. That was down from 27 over the same period in 2020.
It was followed by the US-based Honeywell International with 21 AI patent applications, Saudi Arabia-based Saudi Arabian Oil Co (13 applications), and the US-based Halliburton (12 applications).
