One of the aspects of my job that I really enjoy is keeping in touch with new and advanced technologies emerging from the chemical process industries (CPI) — an interest that traces back to my roots as an R&D engineer. Since products from the CPI are used in just about every facet of our lives, the technologies being developed and scaled up are as varied as the intended applications, and many have far-reaching implications. Need, economics and resource availability are some of the factors that influence how quickly specific technical developments progress. And, automation plays an increasingly important role in these advances — in process and product development, scale up and manufacturing. Developments in smart sensors and digitalization have already greatly influenced many manufacturing sectors, including the CPI. Now, focus is largely on artificial intelligence (AI), whereby vast data resources are being harnessed to effect faster and more-advanced outcomes.
AI is a rather broad category of technologies that allow computers to simulate human abilities related to learning, problem solving and creativity. Machine learning (ML) and generative AI (Gen AI) fall under its umbrella. In ML, computers make predictions based on data that they have “learned.” The more-advanced Gen AI — made popular, for example, by ChatGPT — enables a computer to generate new work that is similar, but not the same as the data it has learned from. The increased use of AI is one of the leading drivers in the growing demand for semiconductors, and the chemicals that are used in their production.
Use of AI in the CPI is expanding. One of the better-known applications in manufacturing is predictive maintenance. Additional applications range from technical process and product developments to business applications like supply-chain management [1]. One practical example mentioned in this month’s article “Make the Most of Alarms” (pp. 34–36) is the incorporation of AI in alarm-management software to help with operational safety and efficiency. Last month’s issue describes how AI is accelerating the development of advanced materials [2].
The capabilities of AI and its possible applications in the CPI are many. It may help in designing more efficient catalysts and speed up R&D. AI integrated with robotics, for example, is being explored as a way to expedite discoveries in chemical synthesis [3]. New technological advances are bound to be hastened as advanced automation tools are implemented.
While AI undoubtedly holds great potential, there are also concerns. A study of 3,000 researchers and clinicians [ 4] revealed that over 90% of those surveyed agreed that AI will help accelerate knowledge and discovery, rapidly increase the volume of research conducted and offer cost savings. Over 90%, however, were also concerned that AI would be used for misinformation and about 85% were concerned that AI would lead to weakened critical thinking.
AI is a powerful tool that offers exciting possibilities, but care is needed in its adoption. As Kieran West, executive vice president, Strategy, at Elsevier, said in a press release about the study: “… high quality, verified information, responsible development and transparency are paramount to building trust in AI tools…” ■
Automation
AI’s potential in the CPI
| By Dorothy Lozowski
One of the aspects of my job that I really enjoy is keeping in touch with new and advanced technologies emerging from the chemical process industries (CPI) — an interest that traces back to my roots as an R&D engineer. Since products from the CPI are used in just about every facet of our lives, the technologies being developed and scaled up are as varied as the intended applications, and many have far-reaching implications. Need, economics and resource availability are some of the factors that influence how quickly specific technical developments progress. And, automation plays an increasingly important role in these advances — in process and product development, scale up and manufacturing. Developments in smart sensors and digitalization have already greatly influenced many manufacturing sectors, including the CPI. Now, focus is largely on artificial intelligence (AI), whereby vast data resources are being harnessed to effect faster and more-advanced outcomes.
AI is a rather broad category of technologies that allow computers to simulate human abilities related to learning, problem solving and creativity. Machine learning (ML) and generative AI (Gen AI) fall under its umbrella. In ML, computers make predictions based on data that they have “learned.” The more-advanced Gen AI — made popular, for example, by ChatGPT — enables a computer to generate new work that is similar, but not the same as the data it has learned from. The increased use of AI is one of the leading drivers in the growing demand for semiconductors, and the chemicals that are used in their production.
Use of AI in the CPI is expanding. One of the better-known applications in manufacturing is predictive maintenance. Additional applications range from technical process and product developments to business applications like supply-chain management [1]. One practical example mentioned in this month’s article “Make the Most of Alarms” (pp. 34–36) is the incorporation of AI in alarm-management software to help with operational safety and efficiency. Last month’s issue describes how AI is accelerating the development of advanced materials [2].
The capabilities of AI and its possible applications in the CPI are many. It may help in designing more efficient catalysts and speed up R&D. AI integrated with robotics, for example, is being explored as a way to expedite discoveries in chemical synthesis [3]. New technological advances are bound to be hastened as advanced automation tools are implemented.
While AI undoubtedly holds great potential, there are also concerns. A study of 3,000 researchers and clinicians [ 4] revealed that over 90% of those surveyed agreed that AI will help accelerate knowledge and discovery, rapidly increase the volume of research conducted and offer cost savings. Over 90%, however, were also concerned that AI would be used for misinformation and about 85% were concerned that AI would lead to weakened critical thinking.
AI is a powerful tool that offers exciting possibilities, but care is needed in its adoption. As Kieran West, executive vice president, Strategy, at Elsevier, said in a press release about the study: “… high quality, verified information, responsible development and transparency are paramount to building trust in AI tools…” ■
1. Bailey, M., Artificial Intelligence: Advancing Applications in the CPI, Chem. Eng., June 2021, pp. 12–18.
2. Jenkins, S., Accelerating Materials Development with AI, Chem. Eng., January 2025, p. 18.
3. Ondrey, G., Autonomous synthesis robot uses AI to speed up chemical discovery, Chem. Eng.,
March 2024, p. 8.
4. Elsevier, Insights 2024: Attitudes toward AI, July 2024, www.elsevier.com/insights/attitudes-toward-ai.