Spotlight on INNOVATION FACTORI Abu Dhabi

We sat down with Zainab Al Kindi, Manager of INNOVATION FACTORI Abu Dhabi and discussed the latest AI, and other digital technologies being deployed, the renowned ‘co-development process works, how they deliver digital at scale for customers, and what’s next.

 

INNOVATION FACTORI will soon turn four. Could you encapsulate what this unique customer offering is, in just a few sentences?

The INNOVATION FACTORI at SLB is all about accelerating the adoption of technology solutions for customers to help them address their challenges faster and more effectively. Our team in Abu Dhabi, comprises data scientists, software engineers, and domain experts, we collaborate with our customers’ teams to tackle their challenges directly and efficiently, deploying the exact digital, AI, and data solutions they need, as quick as possible.

Do you find it easy to explain the INNOVTION FACTORI concept to customers?

Initially, some customers struggle to move away from expecting ready-made solutions, but through conversations and close collaboration, they soon understand the innovation process and its benefits. We like customers to visit our center and see the dynamic environment and the team's work. Experiencing our approach, our technologies and our success stories in person is a powerful way to demonstrate the concept and our capabilities. Those that come soon understand what we offer.

What areas do your visitors come from? Is it just the UAE or a wider region?

While most visits are from the UAE, we also have visitors from the entire Middle East, including teams from KSA, Kuwait, Iraq, Pakistan, and Oman. Events in the UAE often attract additional visits, making our schedule quite busy during those times.

What technologies and tools are available at the INNOVATION FACTORI Abu Dhabi?

We leverage a wide range of advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), virtual reality (VR), and generative AI, to develop cutting-edge solutions in the oil and gas industry. By integrating these advanced AI technologies with SLB’s digital platforms, such as the Lumi™ data and AI platform and the Delfi™ digital platform, along with industry-leading software like Petrel™ subsurface software, we have developed innovative and smart solutions for geoscience, reservoir engineering, and drilling.

Over the past year, generative AI has been a key focus area, driving the development of advanced solutions for drilling, production optimization, and field development planning.

How do you see the role of VR in the INNOVATION FACTORI Abu Dhabi's offerings?

VR is a unique and emerging tool. We are demonstrated VR solutions for subsurface visualization and rig floor simulations, allowing customers to see 3D representations of their reservoirs and rig operations. This technology helps in visualizing plans and understanding current operations better. VR has great potential, and we are still building our capabilities. I believe VR will soon be used to enhance training, safety, and operational efficiency. We are exploring partnerships and investing in the right team to expand our VR solutions further.

How does the collaboration typically work?

We follow a typical design thinking approach in developing solutions. We start with a discovery phase to understand the customer's challenges and goals; defining the problem statement, ideating for different possible solutions, experimenting the ideas, testing the prototypes and finally implementing the solution.

Could you describe the process from customer concept to deployment?

We take the customer's challenges, work with them to develop a digital solution, and deploy it into their systems. We aim to deliver digital solutions at scale, moving beyond pilot phases to implement solutions across the organization. This approach helps customers achieve long-term benefits like operational efficiency, increased revenue, and sustainable growth for the entire enterprise.

How do you tailor solutions to meet the unique needs of each customer?

Customization is central to our approach. As I said, every project begins by us ensuring we thoroughly understand the customer's specific challenges and goals, not just at the beginning, we check back with them for feedback throughout the development process. Close collaboration and continuous communication take place through regular joint workshops and iterative development. By engaging with the customer at every stage and incorporating their feedback throughout the process, we ensure the final solution is tailored to their needs—highly relevant and effective.

For global organizations, does delivering digital solutions at scale remain localized in Abu Dhabi or extend globally?

The way we work with customers extends globally when required. To do this we sometimes collaborate with other INNOVATION FACTORI centers around the world, as well as SLB offices in various countries. The process is seamless because we are all part of the same company. It really depends on what the customer wants to achieve and in how many countries they will deploy the digital solution we develop for them. Through a commercialization process, we ensure they meet technical standards in each country or region and comply with all the necessary regulations and legislation.

Do you engage with the community and universities?

Yes, we do and it’s highly beneficial. We engage with universities through various projects and internships. We collaborate with institutions like Mohammed bin Zayed AI University and Khalifa University. Professors and students work with us on research projects funded by entities like ADNOC, addressing specific challenges and developing innovative solutions.

Can you give examples of impactful collaborations?

One key collaboration is with ADNOC on the IISM project, resulting in several machine learning solutions now in our price book. Another is with Dragon Oil, where we developed the first commercial drilling generative AI solution. Additionally, we led MIRE, a unique industry-academia collaboration project at IF Abu Dhabi, where we developed an advanced fractured reservoir modeling solution and implemented it in INTERSECT for wider commercial release.

What has been the most exciting project you have worked on at the INNOVATION FACTORI?

One of the most exciting projects has been developing a generative AI solution for Dragon Oil. Witnessing how this technology analyzes historical drilling data to provide real-time insights, optimize operations, and mitigate risks has been incredibly fulfilling. The customer's enthusiasm and the tangible benefits they gain from the solution underscore the impact of our work. Additionally, our efforts in creating AI-driven interactive dashboards have attracted significant interest and support from customers across various industries.

What factors contributed to the success of these projects?

Strong collaboration and regular communication with the customer were key. Working closely ensured alignment with the customer’s goals and requirements. Leveraging the latest AI and machine learning technologies, as well as adopting a customer-centric approach, helped us deliver tailored solutions that address specific challenges effectively. Our ability to quickly iterate and enhance solutions based on customer feedback also played a crucial role.

Are there any specific future initiatives or plans you are excited about?

Yes, there are several initiatives on the horizon. We are particularly excited about expanding our AI capabilities beyond the oil and gas industry. We are also looking forward to collaborating on large-scale projects with ADNOC, our joint aim is to create a comprehensive platform for data and AI solutions. Additionally, we are working on integrating our VR solutions with real-time data and enhancing our training programs to upskill teams in AI and machine learning.

How do you see the INNOVATION FACTORI evolving in the next few years?

The INNOVATION FACTORI will continue to evolve by embracing new technologies and expanding our collaborations. We aim to become a hub for AI and digital solutions not only in the oil and gas sector but also in other industries. Our focus will be on delivering impactful, scalable, and sustainable solutions that drive efficiency and growth for our customers. By investing in talent and building strong partnerships, we will keep pushing the boundaries of INNOVATION.

Thank you, Zainab, for sharing these insights. It’s been a pleasure talking to you.