Historically, the chemical industry has covered almost all the digital innovations related to the industry. The digitization of the chemical industry will have a major impact:
Productivity and efficiency – improve competitive advantage and reduce costs through optimized operations
Innovation – improve R & D efficiency and shorten the time to market
Data management and analysis – optimize product development through understanding of customers
Workforce – change tasks, opportunities and job requirements
Product offering – Digital improves product performance, especially in markets close to end customers
We explored some of the leading technology drivers that have the potential to promote digital in the industry.
Modeling and simulation
Computer based modeling and simulation was first implemented in the 1970s and used in some automated chemical processes. At present, the research and publication of computational model is increasing year by year. Several new reactions are being predicted mathematically. In particular, modeling can help predict conditions for high / zero temperature experiments at ambient temperatures and promote drug discovery. In addition, the extensive research and development of computational fluid dynamics continues to be beneficial to the chemical industry.
Energy industry is the key deployer of computational simulation technology. Recently, abb and Corys have worked together to provide advanced twin technology systems to strengthen control monitoring and process modeling simulations for energy and process industries. Computational simulation, especially molecular modeling, has a key application in the United pharmaceutical industry. According to data bridge market research, the composite annual growth rate of global molecular model market may be 15.25% in 2019-26.
Cooperative robots
Since the past 20 years, collaborative robots have helped all vertical industries grow. They are usually deployed individually or with workers to ensure the safety, efficiency and optimization of the plant. In the chemical industry, collaborative robots may be programmed to assist in processes in high temperature or considered unsafe physical / chemical hazardous environments for workers.
Cooperative robots have potential to be applied to the material handover in chemical industry. According to the global market marketers’ forecast, the material handling robot market will expand in 2019-26. In order to optimize operation, the interaction between human and robot must be effective. Therefore, employees need to be well trained to handle Cobot. Recently, a Cobot manufacturing company based in the UK, in collaboration with a Danish robotics company, has established its first authorized training center. The center aims to help improve human-computer interaction and thus improve productivity.
AI
In recent ten years, the technology based on artificial intelligence is gradually integrated into the chemical industry. Because they can imitate human cognitive functions, especially the ability to learn and solve problems, these technologies can help speed up innovation, reduce costs, improve operational efficiency and improve customer satisfaction. Therefore, AI has the potential to design an efficient “from idea to market” strategy.
AI based technology seems to have been conducive to improve the implementation of the process. According to Accenture, by 2018, about 72 percent of the chemical companies that use AI technology have achieved at least twice in a few processes and 37 percent have achieved five times. At present, the global chemical industry needs research centers to accelerate the innovation based on artificial intelligence. Recently, livnsense technology and aritar have teamed up a centre of excellence in India to encourage such innovation and promote the growth of the petrochemical industry. The technology of environmental restoration based on artificial intelligence is currently under development, especially in reducing carbon footprint. PwC UK estimates that by 2030, artificial intelligence will be used in key industries such as water and energy, and greenhouse gas emissions will fall by 4 per cent.