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UK government guarantees JLR $2 billion loan cyber attack to shut down production for one month | Reuters

by Omar El Sayed - World Editor
written by Omar El Sayed - World Editor

UK Government Steps In: £1.5 Billion Loan Guarantee for Jaguar Land Rover Amid Cyberattack Fallout – Breaking News & SEO Update

LONDON – In a move to safeguard British jobs and a cornerstone of the UK automotive industry, the government has announced a £1.5 billion ($2 billion) loan guarantee for Jaguar Land Rover (JLR), the iconic luxury car manufacturer owned by Indian conglomerate Tata Motors. This breaking news comes as JLR grapples with significant supply chain disruptions following recent cyberattacks, a situation threatening the livelihoods of thousands and potentially impacting the wider economy. This is a developing story, and we’re providing real-time updates for Google News and SEO visibility.

(Photo: Reuters/Phil Noble, 2025 – JLR Factory)

Cyberattacks Trigger Urgent Government Intervention

Business and Trade Minister Kyle highlighted the severity of the situation, stating the cyberattacks weren’t merely attacks on brands, but on the UK’s “world-leading automotive industry.” The loan guarantee is designed to stabilize JLR’s supply chain, which has been effectively halted for nearly a month. The urgency is underscored by reports that some small suppliers are facing potential insolvency within just one week, creating a domino effect of economic hardship.

The Ripple Effect: Jobs and Regional Impact

JLR’s operations are deeply interwoven with the economic fabric of the UK, particularly around Birmingham, the nation’s second-largest city, and in northern Liverpool. The company’s three UK factories collectively produce around 1,000 vehicles daily, supporting a vast network of jobs. Recent surveys indicate that some companies within the supply chain are already reducing work hours and implementing staff cuts, painting a grim picture without immediate intervention. This isn’t just about cars; it’s about communities.

Beyond the Immediate Crisis: JLR and the Future of British Automotive

This loan guarantee isn’t simply a bailout; it’s a strategic investment in the future of British manufacturing. JLR, while under Tata Motors ownership since 2008, remains a vital symbol of British engineering and design. The automotive industry is undergoing a massive transformation, shifting towards electric vehicles (EVs) and advanced technologies. JLR has ambitious plans for electrification, including a commitment to offer fully electric versions of all its models by 2025. However, these plans require significant investment and a stable supply chain – precisely what this government support aims to provide.

Understanding the Cyber Threat Landscape

The cyberattacks impacting JLR are part of a broader trend of increasing sophistication and frequency of attacks targeting the automotive sector. Automakers are particularly vulnerable due to their complex supply chains, reliance on interconnected systems, and the valuable intellectual property they hold. Experts recommend that automotive companies prioritize robust cybersecurity measures, including regular vulnerability assessments, employee training, and incident response planning. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of cybersecurity in the modern industrial landscape.

Tata Motors’ Role and Long-Term Outlook

Tata Motors’ commitment to JLR has been unwavering since its acquisition. The Indian automotive giant has invested heavily in JLR’s product development and manufacturing capabilities. This loan guarantee from the UK government demonstrates a collaborative effort to ensure JLR’s continued success. Analysts suggest that a stable JLR is crucial for Tata Motors’ global ambitions, and the company is expected to continue investing in the brand’s future, particularly in the EV space. The long-term outlook for JLR hinges on its ability to navigate the challenges of the evolving automotive market and maintain its position as a leading luxury car manufacturer.

The UK government’s decisive action to back Jaguar Land Rover sends a clear message: Britain is committed to supporting its key industries and protecting its skilled workforce. As JLR works to restore its supply chain and accelerate its transition to electric vehicles, this loan guarantee provides a crucial lifeline, ensuring that the roar of British automotive engineering continues for generations to come. Stay tuned to Archyde.com for the latest updates on this developing story and in-depth analysis of the automotive industry.

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Technology

China Leads Global Working Robot Adoption: Surpassing the Rest of the World in Robotics Integration

by Sophie Lin - Technology Editor
written by Sophie Lin - Technology Editor

China‘s Robotic Revolution: A Manufacturing Dominance Taking Hold

Table of Contents

Beijing – A sweeping transformation is underway in the global manufacturing landscape, and China is firmly at its centre. Current data reveals the nation is experiencing an unprecedented surge in the deployment of industrial robots, solidifying its position as the world’s leading manufacturing powerhouse. This trend is reshaping industries, challenging established economic norms, and prompting a reevaluation of automation strategies across the globe.

The Scale of China’s Automation

Estimates suggest there are currently 4,664,000 working industrial robots globally, with over two million operating within China. In the last year alone, nearly 300,000 new robots were installed in Chinese factories, constituting 54% of all global deployments in 2024. This figure dramatically contrasts with the United states, which added approximately 34,000 industrial robots during the same period.The pace of adoption in China isn’t slowing down; projections indicate an average annual growth rate of 10% through 2028, as robotics are integrated into increasingly diverse sectors.

This expansion aligns directly with China’s ascent as a manufacturing giant. The country now accounts for just under one-third of all global manufacturing output, a notable increase from the 6% share it held at the beginning of the 21st century. Remarkably, China’s current manufacturing output exceeds the combined output of the United States, Germany, Japan, South Korea, and the United Kingdom.

A Diverging Global Trend

While China’s robotic installations are on the rise, other major industrial nations are experiencing a decline. Japan saw a 4% decrease in installations, the United States a 9% drop, South Korea a 3% slump, and Germany a 5% decrease. This divergence highlights china’s aggressive pursuit of automation and its commitment to modernizing its industrial base. This trend poses a serious challenge to the economic competitiveness of these nations.

Sector-Specific growth and Strategic Focus

Recent growth in China’s robotic installations has been particularly strong in the food and beverage, rubber and plastics, and textile production industries. This contrasts with the United States, where robotics continue to be primarily implemented in traditional fields like automotive manufacturing. this suggests China is embracing automation across a broader spectrum of industries, diversifying its manufacturing capabilities. Interestingly, china’s focus is less on complex humanoid robots. The challenge of sourcing domestically produced sensors and semiconductors has made the development of fully Chinese-made humanoid robots tough, while companies like tesla and Boston Dynamics continue to develop these advanced – and expensive – machines.

Country 2024 Robot Installations (Approx.) Year-Over-Year Change
China 300,000 +7%
United States 34,000 -9%
japan N/A -4%
South Korea N/A -3%
Germany N/A -5%

Did You Know? The International Federation of Robotics forecasts that global robot density – the number of robots per 10,000 workers – will continue to increase as automation becomes more widespread.

The Human element: Skilled Labor as a Key Enabler

Perhaps the most significant driver of China’s robotic success is the availability of a highly skilled workforce capable of installing, maintaining, and programming these advanced systems. While the United States is experiencing a boom in demand for electricians, a substantial shortage of computer programmers remains a concern.New policies increasing fees for H1-B visa applicants may exacerbate this shortage, limiting access to crucial skilled labor from abroad.

Pro Tip: Investing in STEM education and workforce training programs is vital for any nation seeking to compete in the age of automation.

The Long-Term Implications of China’s Robotics Lead

China’s relentless pursuit of automation is not merely a technological shift; it represents a fundamental restructuring of the global economy. The increasing productivity and efficiency gains achieved through robotics will likely further solidify china’s manufacturing dominance, creating both opportunities and challenges for other nations. This necessitates a reassessment of industrial strategies, investment in innovation, and a focus on developing a skilled workforce to navigate the evolving landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions about Industrial robotics

  • What is an industrial robot? An industrial robot is a programmable machine designed to perform repetitive tasks with high precision and efficiency, typically used in manufacturing and production settings.
  • Why is China leading in industrial robot adoption? China’s leadership is driven by a combination of factors, including government support, a large manufacturing base, and a growing skilled workforce.
  • How will increased robot adoption impact employment? While some jobs may be automated, the increased productivity can lead to new job creation in areas such as robot maintenance, programming, and data analysis.
  • What are the benefits of using industrial robots? Benefits include increased efficiency, improved product quality, reduced labor costs, and enhanced workplace safety.
  • Are humanoid robots becoming common in manufacturing? Currently, humanoid robots are less prevalent than traditional industrial robots due to technological challenges and high costs.
  • What skills are needed to work with industrial robots? Skills include programming, robotics maintenance, electrical engineering, and data analytics.
  • How can other countries compete with China in robotics? Investing in STEM education, fostering innovation, and providing incentives for automation adoption are crucial steps.

What do you think will be the biggest obstacle to automation adoption in the US? And how will this trend impact global supply chains in the next decade? Share your thoughts in the comments below!


What impact will China’s “Made in China 2025” plan have on global robotics innovation and competition?

China Leads Global Working Robot Adoption: Surpassing the Rest of the World in Robotics Integration

The Rise of the Robot Workforce in china

china’s rapid ascent as the world’s leading adopter of industrial and collaborative robots is reshaping global manufacturing.Driven by factors like rising labor costs, an aging population, and a national push for advanced manufacturing – often referred to as “Made in China 2025” – the country is experiencing unprecedented robotics integration. this isn’t just about replacing human workers; it’s a strategic move to enhance productivity, improve quality control, and compete on a global scale. the demand for automation solutions is skyrocketing, making China the largest robotics market worldwide.

Key Drivers Behind China’s Robotics boom

Several interconnected factors are fueling this dramatic increase in robot deployment:

* Labor Costs: Increasing wages in coastal manufacturing hubs are making industrial robots a financially attractive option.

* Demographic Shifts: China’s aging population and declining birth rate are creating a labor shortage, particularly in manufacturing.

* Government Initiatives: the “Made in China 2025” plan prioritizes high-tech industries, including robotics, with substantial government funding and support.

* Manufacturing Growth: China remains the world’s manufacturing powerhouse,creating a constant demand for increased efficiency and output.

* Supply Chain Resilience: Recent global events have highlighted the need for more resilient and localized supply chains,driving investment in automated manufacturing.

Comparing Robot Density: China vs. the World

Robot density – the number of robots per 10,000 workers – is a key metric for measuring automation levels. While historically lagging behind countries like south Korea, Japan, and Germany, China has significantly closed the gap.

Here’s a snapshot (as of late 2024 data, projecting into 2025):

  1. South Korea: ~932 robots per 10,000 workers
  2. Singapore: ~918 robots per 10,000 workers
  3. Japan: ~390 robots per 10,000 workers
  4. Germany: ~371 robots per 10,000 workers
  5. China: ~368 robots per 10,000 workers (and rapidly increasing)

These figures demonstrate China’s impressive growth and its near parity with established leaders in robotics adoption.Forecasts predict China will surpass many of these nations within the next few years. This growth is particularly pronounced in the automotive, electronics, and metalworking industries.

Industries Leading the Charge in Robotics Integration

Certain sectors in China are at the forefront of robotics implementation:

* Automotive: The automotive industry has long been a pioneer in industrial automation, and China is no exception. Major automakers are heavily investing in robotic assembly lines,welding,and painting applications.

* Electronics: The production of smartphones, computers, and other electronic devices requires precision and speed, making robots ideal for tasks like component placement and quality inspection.

* Metalworking: Robotic arms are increasingly used for tasks like cutting, grinding, and polishing metal parts, improving efficiency and reducing waste.

* Logistics & Warehousing: With the boom in e-commerce, automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) are becoming commonplace in Chinese warehouses and distribution centers.

* Healthcare: While still emerging, medical robots are gaining traction in areas like surgery, rehabilitation, and disinfection.

Types of Robots Deployed in China

The range of robots being deployed in China is diverse:

* Articulated Robots: The most common type, offering adaptability and a wide range of motion. Used in welding, painting, assembly, and material handling.

* SCARA Robots: Ideal for high-speed, repetitive tasks like pick-and-place operations. Popular in the electronics industry.

* Delta Robots: Known for their speed and precision, often used in packaging and food processing.

* Collaborative Robots (Cobots): Designed to work alongside humans, enhancing safety and flexibility.Increasingly popular in smaller manufacturing facilities.

* AGVs & AMRs: Automated vehicles used for transporting materials within factories and warehouses.

The Role of Chinese Robotics Manufacturers

While international robotics companies like ABB, Fanuc, and KUKA have a strong presence in China, domestic manufacturers are rapidly gaining market share. Companies like Estun automation, GSK Robotics, and Elite Robot are developing increasingly sophisticated automation solutions tailored to the needs of the Chinese market. This growth is supported by government funding and a focus on innovation. The rise of local manufacturers is also driving down costs and increasing accessibility to robotics technology for smaller businesses.

Challenges to Further Robotics Adoption

Despite the impressive progress, challenges remain:

* Skills Gap: A shortage of skilled workers capable of programming, maintaining, and repairing robots.

* **Integration Costs

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Technology

Zoom Enhances Sales, Service, and Event Platforms with Advanced AI Upgrades

by
written by

Zoom Unveils Major AI Overhaul Across Business Platform, targeting Sales, Service, and Events

Table of Contents

San Francisco, CA – September 19, 2025 – Zoom announced Today a sweeping integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) throughout its Business Services portfolio, designed to elevate Customer Journeys and bolster the performance of organizations’ sales, service, and event operations. The move signifies a major doubling down on AI as a core differentiator for the video-first communications giant.

Enhancing Customer Interactions with Agentic AI

The advancements center around Zoom customer Experience (Zoom CX), Zoom Revenue Accelerator (ZRA), and Zoom Events and Webinars, all built upon Zoom’s AI Companion 3.0 platform. Chris Morrissey, General Manager of Zoom CX, stated that the goal is to empower businesses to deliver faster, more personalized service while maximizing efficiency. According to a recent report by Forrester, 73% of customers expect personalized experiences, highlighting the urgency for businesses to adopt AI-driven solutions.

Zoom CX is receiving expanded agentic AI capabilities to automate customer interactions and streamline issue resolution. The upgrades are intended to improve efficiency across all teams and customer touchpoints.

Transforming Virtual Agents with New Features

Zoom’s Virtual Agent (ZVA) is expanding its functionality, including integration with Zoom Phone for 24/7 AI-powered concierge services. The ZVA is now equipped to handle industry-specific tasks, with a dedicated healthcare module launching in January 2026. This healthcare version will feature templates, medical terminology, and Electronic Health Record (EHR) integration for tasks like patient intake and appointment scheduling.

To further personalize experiences, Zoom will allow organizations to upload custom voice samples for their ZVA. This feature,slated for release in November 2025,aims to enhance brand consistency and security. Supervisors will also gain more control with Automated Quality management (AQM) for ZVA, launching later this year, allowing them to assess AI agent performance and ensure quality standards. A new supervisor dashboard is scheduled for release in January 2026, offering real-time oversight of both live and virtual agent engagements.

Integrating Zoom Virtual Agent for Voice with Amazon Connect is expected by September 2025, promising improved autonomous call resolution and seamless transitions between AI and human agents.

Leveraging AI for Actionable Contact Center Insights

CX Insights, launching in December 2025, will provide leaders with a natural-language query interface for identifying key trends and receiving AI-driven operational recommendations. This tool is designed to democratize data analysis and reduce reliance on specialized technical expertise. Agentic AI Expert Assist, anticipated early next year, will empower support agents with context-sensitive recommendations for accurate and swift issue resolution.

Engagement Docs, set to launch in January 2026, will transform customer interaction records by allowing the inclusion of images, videos, and AI-generated summaries for easy information sharing. Moreover, live voice and video translation, also planned for January 2026, will facilitate real-time communication across language barriers.

Boosting Sales Performance with AI-Powered Tools

Zoom Revenue Accelerator is also receiving an AI boost, incorporating agentic AI prospecting skills. This will automate pipeline generation, lead research, and personalized outreach, enabling sales representatives to concentrate on closing deals.Building upon the existing Zoom Auto Dialer, the agentic prospecting skill will become available in January 2026.

Elevating Events with AI-Driven engagement

Zoom Events and Webinars are also benefiting from AI enhancements. The Ask AI Companion Attendee Panel allows latecomers to quickly catch up with AI-generated session summaries. Additionally, Production Studio in the cloud provides a robust platform for broadcast-quality events without the need for extensive local hardware, enhancing streaming efficiency and reliability.

Feature Release Date
Custom ZVA Voice November 2025
ZVA & Amazon Connect Integration September 2025
CX Insights December 2025
Agentic Prospecting Skill January 2026
Engagement Docs January 2026

Did You Know? The global AI in customer experience market is projected to reach $31.4 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 28.9% from 2021 to 2028 (Source: Fortune Business Insights).

Pro Tip: Consider how AI-powered tools can automate repetitive tasks and free up your team to focus on higher-value interactions.

The Long-Term Impact of AI in Business Communication

The integration of AI into business communication platforms like Zoom represents a essential shift in how organizations interact with customers and employees. This trend is expected to accelerate as AI technologies mature and become more accessible. Companies that embrace these changes will be better positioned to deliver extraordinary customer experiences, drive sales growth, and improve operational efficiency.

Frequently Asked Questions about Zoom’s AI Features


How will these AI-powered features impact your organization’s approach to customer engagement? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

How do Zoom’s AI-driven summaries specifically benefit sales representatives in terms of time management?

Zoom Enhances Sales, Service, and Event Platforms with Advanced AI Upgrades

Revolutionizing Customer Interactions with Zoom AI Companion

Zoom is significantly bolstering it’s platform capabilities with the integration of advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) features across its sales, Service, and Event offerings. These upgrades, building on the foundation of the Zoom AI Companion, aim to empower businesses to deliver more personalized, efficient, and impactful experiences. The recent updates, announced in Febuary, signal a continued commitment to innovation within the unified interaction space. This article details the key enhancements and how they benefit businesses leveraging Zoom for critical customer-facing operations.

AI-Powered Sales tools for Increased Revenue

For sales teams, the new AI features within Zoom are designed to streamline workflows and boost conversion rates. Key improvements include:

* AI-Driven Summaries: Automatically generated summaries of sales calls provide instant context and action items, saving reps valuable time. These summaries highlight key discussion points, competitor mentions, and next steps.

* Real-Time Coaching: The Zoom AI Companion offers real-time coaching during calls, providing suggestions on talking points, objection handling, and overall communication effectiveness. This feature is particularly useful for onboarding new sales representatives.

* sentiment Analysis: understanding customer sentiment during a sales interaction is crucial. Zoom’s AI analyzes tone and language to gauge customer interest and potential roadblocks, allowing reps to adjust their approach accordingly.

* Automated Follow-Ups: AI-powered tools can draft personalized follow-up emails based on call content, ensuring timely and relevant communication with prospects. This automation frees up sales reps to focus on building relationships and closing deals.

* Lead Qualification Assistance: AI algorithms can analyze call data to identify high-potential leads, prioritizing outreach efforts and maximizing sales efficiency.

These features integrate seamlessly with popular CRM systems like Salesforce, enhancing data synchronization and providing a holistic view of the customer journey. The focus is on sales enablement and improving sales productivity.

Elevating Customer Service with Intelligent Automation

Zoom’s AI upgrades are also transforming customer service operations. The goal is to provide faster, more effective support while reducing agent workload.

* AI Agent Assist: Provides agents with real-time access to relevant knowledge base articles and suggested responses during customer interactions. This reduces resolution times and improves first-call resolution rates.

* Smart Routing: AI-powered routing directs customers to the most appropriate agent based on their issue and agent expertise, ensuring a more efficient and satisfying support experience.

* Post-Call Analysis: AI analyzes customer service interactions to identify areas for betterment in agent performance and overall service delivery. This data-driven approach enables continuous optimization of support processes.

* chatbot Integration: Enhanced chatbot capabilities, powered by AI, can handle routine inquiries and escalate complex issues to human agents, providing 24/7 support availability. Customer support automation is a key benefit.

* Automated Ticket Summarization: similar to sales call summaries, AI generates concise summaries of customer service tickets, providing agents with quick access to essential data.

Transforming Events with AI-Powered Engagement

Zoom Events is receiving meaningful AI enhancements to create more engaging and impactful virtual and hybrid experiences.

* AI-Powered Networking: Facilitates meaningful connections between attendees based on shared interests and professional goals. This feature encourages networking and collaboration during events.

* Real-Time Translation: breaks down language barriers with real-time translation of event sessions, making events accessible to a global audience.

* Automated Q&A Moderation: AI moderates Q&A sessions, identifying and prioritizing relevant questions, and filtering out inappropriate content.

* Personalized Event Recommendations: AI suggests relevant sessions and networking opportunities to attendees based on their interests and event goals.

* Engagement Analytics: Provides event organizers with detailed insights into attendee engagement, helping them optimize future events. Virtual event platforms are becoming increasingly refined.

Benefits of Zoom’s AI Integration

The benefits of these AI upgrades extend beyond individual departments:

* Improved Customer Satisfaction: Personalized experiences and faster resolution times lead to higher customer satisfaction scores.

* Increased Efficiency: Automation of routine tasks frees up employees to focus on more strategic initiatives.

* data-Driven Insights: AI-powered analytics provide valuable insights into customer behavior and operational performance.

* Enhanced Collaboration: seamless integration across platforms fosters better collaboration between teams.

* Scalability: AI enables businesses to scale their operations without sacrificing quality or customer experience.

Practical Tips for Implementing Zoom AI Features

* Start Small: Begin by implementing AI features in a pilot program to assess their impact and identify areas for improvement.

* Train Your Team: Provide comprehensive training to employees on how to effectively use the new AI tools.

* Monitor Performance: Continuously monitor the performance of AI features and make adjustments as needed.

* Integrate with Existing Systems: Ensure seamless integration with your existing CRM and othre business systems.

* Prioritize Data Privacy: Adhere to all relevant data privacy regulations when using AI-powered tools. AI in business communication requires careful consideration of ethical implications.

Zoom Active App Notifier & Openness

Zoom’s commitment to transparency extends to app usage. The recent upgrades to the Zoom Active App Notifier provide users with clear visibility into which apps are accessing their Zoom data, empowering them to make informed decisions about their privacy and security. This feature is particularly relevant in light of growing concerns about data security and compliance.

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Economy

**The Decline of Roughnecks in the Oilfield: How AI and Automation are Redefining Roles and Tasks**

by Daniel Foster - Senior Editor, Economy
written by Daniel Foster - Senior Editor, Economy

Picture an oilfield. Chances are you see a greasy drilling rig surrounded by a group of equally greased-up and grizzled oilmen, moving heavy equipment in a dangerous and labor-intensive environment.

Not these days. The coverall-adorned roughnecks of yesteryear today are now much fewer and more likely to sit in data vans monitoring the computer screens instead of constantly configuring all the pipes and tools manually. “The days of the mud-soaked rig hand with a cigarette in his mouth are behind us,” said Dan Pickering, founder and chief investment officer for Pickering Energy Partners consulting and research firm. “The hardest and riskiest jobs are getting gradually replaced with technology. They can’t all be completely replaced, but it’s happening.”

The transformation is just over a decade in the making, but now it’s supercharged by AI. In industry parlance, the AI-controlled rigs can now use ‘autonomous geosteering’—drilling many thousands of feet underground without human involvement. Oilfields are overseen remotely, requiring fewer people and resources onsite—cutting costs and saving valuable time. “You basically sit back in the chair, take it easy, have a cup of coffee, and you watch what is happening on the screen,” said Rakesh Jaggi, president of digital and integration for SLB, the world’s largest oilfield services firm.

“Some of the things that we can do today with these autonomous operations are mindboggling. I get goosebumps even now,” Jaggi told Fortune. “The first time, it’s like, ‘Oh, wow, this is magic.’”

From late 2014 until now, the U.S. shed almost 35% of its oil, gas, and mining jobs, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, down about 270,000 jobs, including 12,000 positions just since April. Those losses range from geoscientists and petroleum engineers to blue-collar roustabouts and wellhead pumpers. ConocoPhillips, Chevronand BPfor instance, are laying off thousands of workers each this year and next despite remaining highly profitable.

Apart from tech gains and industry consolidation, a big factor is the cyclical downturns in oil pricesforcing the industry to lean into efficiencies and innovations, especially when OPEC ramps up volumes to fight for market share, including in late 2014 and now in 2025. Gone is the heyday of $100 per barrel crude oil from 2011 to 2014. Today it’s about $63. Since 2014, the number of active drilling rigs plunged 70% down to 539 rigs as of mid-September, including the loss of about 50 rigs in 12 months.

Many industries falsely brag of doing more with less, but the energy sector has truly meant it, said Ken Medlock, Rice University fellow in energy and resource economics. “With AI integration, you’re going to see that continue. Now there’s potential to see this on steroids,” Medlock said. “There’s a much stronger push to reduce the labor intensity of drilling and production activities.”

A <a href="https://fortune.com/company/liberty-energy/" target="_blank">Liberty Energy</a> frac spread is shown void of people with all of the pressure pumping equipment in place to hydraulically fracture a subsurface well.” loading=”lazy” width=”1024″ height=”683″ decoding=”async” data-nimg=”1″ style=”color:transparent;height:auto;object-fit:cover;width:100%;background-size:cover;background-position:50% 50%;background-repeat:no-repeat;background-image:url("data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg xmlns=’http://www.w3.org/2000/svg’ viewBox=’0 0 1024 683’%3E%3Cfilter id=’b’ color-interpolation-filters=’sRGB’%3E%3CfeGaussianBlur stdDeviation=’20’/%3E%3CfeColorMatrix values=’1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 100 -1′ result=’s’/%3E%3CfeFlood x=’0′ y=’0′ width=’100%25′ height=’100%25’/%3E%3CfeComposite operator=’out’ in=’s’/%3E%3CfeComposite in2=’SourceGraphic’/%3E%3CfeGaussianBlur stdDeviation=’20’/%3E%3C/filter%3E%3Cimage width=’100%25′ height=’100%25′ x=’0′ y=’0′ 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The slow but steady disappearance of the roughnecks may be the most visible sign things are changing fast, but throughout the production process companies are making tweaks in their systems to be more efficient. Wells are drilled 4 miles horizontally as opposed to 1 mile a decade ago, requiring fewer crews with fewer people.

Denver’s Liberty Energy is a case study in how quickly AI is changing things. The nearly 15-year-old company quickly grew into a U.S. hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, leader. Founder and former CEO Chris Wright is even President Trump’s new energy secretary.

“We’re already in this world today where we’re going to run and execute the frac quite literally with a computer. AI can do all of it,” said Ron Gusek, who replaced Wright as CEO of Liberty. “I can’t think of a time in Liberty’s history where we’ve been able to move the needle that dramatically in less than 12 months. It’s just phenomenal.”

The number of frac fleets required in the U.S. dipped more than 50% in six years as crews are increasingly able to frac larger wells more quickly, including two wells at a time, called simul-frac.

More automation has been incorporated for the past several years with smarter rigs and more, but autonomous operations are new. That’s the difference between using GPS to help you navigate versus sitting idly in a self-driving car, said Jaggi of oil giant SLB, arguing the Neuro and DrillOps Automate solutions by SLB (No. 437 on the Fortune Global 500) drive the drill bit for you.

These improving tech results also are the product of necessity. The U.S. shale industry is maturing, and the best wells already are drilled. To get the same results, increasingly longer wells are needed, so financial savings must be found wherever possible through time savings, production efficiencies, and smaller payrolls.

“The age of easy oil is gone,” said Jaggi of energy giant SLB. “To find the same amount of oil is a lot more challenging than it used to be.” Big Data and AI help balance the scale, he said.

Chevron partners with Halliburton (No. 194 on the Fortune 500), for instance, on its AI fracking system, called Zeus IQ, that allows for quick, autonomous decision-making. But there’s still the corporate and human hurdle of fully trusting the tech when each well costs millions.

It’s the difference between determining whether people will serve as referees regularly intervening as needed, or if they will only operate as glorified emergency shutdown buttons, said Steve Bowman, general manager of AI for Chevron (No. 16 on the Fortune 500).

“The bar to get individuals to really lean in and trust those models is incredibly high because people understand the stakes of the game,” Bowman said.

So, the human element won’t be eliminated, just substantially reduced. As Gusek added, “We’re still looking for mechanically inclined people that don’t mind being out in the elements for 12 hours a day on a shift, whether it’s 40 [degrees] below or 100 and above. I don’t see that going away for a long time.”

Nibbling around the edges

Almost every industry is figuring out how to cut costs in back-office operations, supply chains, and logistics with AI.

The AI programs even make work easier for the so-called landman jobs–nothing like Billy Bob Thornton’s over-the-top “Landman” drama–which handle property research and land deal negotiations—all of which are incredibly important to legally allow for the drilling in the first place.

Energy research firm Enverus’ Courthouse application allows the landman to sort through hundreds of millions of public acreage and mineral lease documents in every county. “A lot of these documents are of poor image quality. They’re structured differently. They were written by different law firms in different decades. The key information is not in the same place, and every document is kind of all over the place,” said Jimmy Fortuna, Enverus chief product officer.

The AI organizes and summarizes the data in seconds, he said, saving maybe 30 minutes of time per document.

While the people savings from technology are huge, said Ed Hirs, University of Houston energy economist, the time savings from automation and fewer human moving parts is just as valuable—the elimination of non-productive time.

“There are actually fewer things to go wrong,” Hirs said. “You wind up saving downtimes and extra trips. It’s all about this nibbling around the edges, making those incremental improvements, and, when we add them all together, that’s a significant cost reduction.”

The time to drill a longer well shrinks from 30 days to almost 20. That means the company can deploy each rig much more frequently and pay for fewer expensive rigs, while still getting the same or better results, he said.

New college graduates are struggling to find oil and gas right now, Hirs said, but more companies are beginning to realize the value of scooping up AI-savvy young people now.

The education has quickly shifted from trying to prevent students from using ChatGPT to cheat to now teaching them how to best utilize AI in the classroom, the office, and the oil patch.

The new generation will oversee and improve the AI allowing a person to supervise a drilling project from hundreds of miles—or half a world—away.

“The oil patch of today is just much more automated,” said Dan Pickering. “It’s a bunch of cool gadgets with one or two people instead of 15. Those days are happening now, and they’re ahead of us.”

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