Emerson Launches First GenAI-Enabled Automation Advisor for Power and Water Industries
Emerson a global leader in industrial technology and automation solutions, has unveiled the industry’s first generative artificial intelligence (GenAI)-enabled automation advisor tailored specifically for the power and water sectors. The new Ovation™ AI-enabled Virtual Advisor is integrated into Emerson’s Ovation™ 4.0 Automation Platform, marking a significant step forward in how utilities can leverage advanced technology to enhance operational efficiency, reliability, and decision-making.
The Ovation Virtual Advisor represents a pioneering use of GenAI in industrial automation, delivering real-time system insights that are critical for today’s infrastructure operators. Designed with the specific needs of the power generation and water treatment industries in mind, the advisor is built to help operators meet growing challenges such as increased demand, system complexity, aging infrastructure, and the unpredictable impacts of climate change.
A New Era of Intelligent Automation
At its core, the Ovation Virtual Advisor utilizes localized GenAI technology to provide dynamic, real-time system guidance and contextual support. This embedded intelligence allows operators to interact with the system in a natural, conversational manner, enabling them to quickly retrieve technical documentation, troubleshoot problems, predict potential maintenance needs, and uncover areas where operational optimization is possible.
Unlike traditional automation interfaces that may require in-depth technical knowledge or navigation through complex user manuals, Emerson’s GenAI-enabled advisor simplifies system management through intuitive, language-based commands. Operators can pose questions or describe issues using plain language and receive immediate, tailored responses—dramatically reducing the time required to find solutions and increasing overall plant productivity.
Leveraging Deep Domain Expertise
One of the key differentiators of Emerson’s Ovation Virtual Advisor is its deep integration with Emerson’s extensive domain knowledge in the power and water industries. The system is not a generic AI platform but one built upon decades of operational experience and customer engagement in these specific sectors. This enables the advisor to provide highly relevant, context-aware insights that are aligned with real-world scenarios and challenges faced by utility operators.
Furthermore, Emerson’s Ovation platform is already trusted in thousands of installations worldwide for its high reliability, real-time control, and comprehensive data visibility. By integrating GenAI capabilities into this well-established platform, Emerson ensures that the new Virtual Advisor functions not only as a cutting-edge innovation but also as a seamless enhancement to existing operations.
Driving Operational and Strategic Value
Bob Yeager, president of Emerson’s power and water solutions business, highlighted the significance of this development:
Indeed, the integration of GenAI into operational workflows empowers utilities with the ability to automate repetitive tasks, improve fault detection, streamline decision-making, and prioritize maintenance activities based on predictive insights rather than reactive fixes. This not only enhances daily operational efficiency but also supports longer-term goals like cost savings, energy efficiency, and sustainability.
Secure by Design and Customizable
Security and accuracy are paramount in industrial settings, particularly when deploying AI solutions. Emerson has prioritized safety by designing the Ovation Virtual Advisor with built-in cybersecurity and using local, pre-trained AI models. These models rely on both Emerson-provided data and customer-specific system information to ensure that the advisor delivers trustworthy and contextually accurate results.
To further tailor the system to individual operations, customers can upload domain-specific data, site-specific configurations, and even operator feedback. This continuous learning capability allows the AI models to evolve over time, increasing the advisor’s accuracy, relevance, and overall effectiveness in addressing unique operational challenges.
This customizable approach ensures that no two installations of the Ovation Virtual Advisor are exactly alike. Instead, each deployment evolves into a highly specialized tool that reflects the specific needs, equipment, and goals of the plant it supports.
Laying the Foundation for Future AI Innovations
The Ovation Virtual Advisor is part of a growing portfolio of AI-based tools Emerson is developing to modernize automation in the power and water industries. As operators continue to embrace digital transformation, the role of AI in industrial control systems will only become more significant.
With this latest innovation, Emerson is positioning itself at the forefront of that transformation, offering customers a future-ready solution that not only meets today’s operational challenges but also lays the groundwork for even more intelligent systems in the years to come. The advisor’s ability to analyze vast amounts of data and transform it into actionable insights reflects the broader trend of AI-driven optimization that is reshaping industrial automation globally.
