Recent developments
AI-led operations
Sinopec introduced the industrial intelligent agent "Fenghuo" to execute simulations and engineering tasks directly in production workflows. It also privately deployed DeepSeek‑V4‑Flash into its Great Wall AI platform. In pharma, Merck and Google Cloud launched a $1B agentic AI platform using Gemini Enterprise. Umicore created a Chief Digital & Transformation Officer role to align processes, data and AI across operations.
Edge and water
Siemens expanded its edge-to-cloud stack with Industrial Edge Management 2.0 for lifecycle AI, orchestration and security. For utilities, SIWA Treatment Optimizer and Quality Inspector use digital twins, soft sensors and integrated control for real-time optimization. Veolia and Amazon will apply AI, machine learning and generative AI capabilities to reclaimed‑water cooling, targeting predictive operations at modular treatment units.
Inspection and analytics
AkzoNobel added the Iris CMX contact‑sensor drone to enable condition‑based aircraft coating decisions with combined film, color and gloss data. trinamiX launched mobile NIR spectroscopy for footwear and textiles supporting sorting, QA and Digital Product Passports. Clariant’s CLARITY portal brings real‑time PDH catalyst performance monitoring. LANXESS highlighted the LewaPlus PFAS Basic Design Module to support water‑treatment design and compliance.
Supply chains, circularity
BASF and Nutrien linked farm practices to low‑carbon biofuels using xarvio FIELD MANAGER and xarvio BIOENERGY for CI tracking and verification. Borouge cited value from its AI digitalisation and technology programme while navigating logistics disruptions. Mura joined the UK Packaging Pact to align redesign, reuse and recycling with policy. In China, a 10,000‑ton intelligent floating petrochemical terminal introduced smart‑port monitoring for safer, more transparent river logistics.
Bioprocessing automation
WuXi Biologics secured MFDS GMP certification enabling end‑to‑end bispecific manufacturing across drug substance, fill‑finish and packaging. Its Chengdu microbial site advanced with integrated automation and digital systems for commercial GMP readiness. Chugai’s FJ3 facility deploys advanced automation and digitalization to run macrocyclic‑peptide and small‑molecule APIs in parallel with stringent containment.
Upstream and refining
Petrobras’ P‑79 began production using intelligent completions to manage ultra‑deepwater wells. Equinor extended integrated drilling and well‑services contracts, emphasizing technology use and standardization to sustain delivery. Sinopec commissioned an electric intelligent tubular heating device that integrates with field microgrids to reduce emissions and fuel use. China Petrochemical validated a green intelligent aromatics complete technology combining smart control with energy‑saving process integration.