Emerson has announced the launch of Ovation™ Virtual Advisor, the first generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) assistant integrated with an industrial automation system designed specifically for the energy and water sectors.
This new feature is part of the Ovation™ 4.0 platform and supports users in real time. It enables the detection of anomalies, predictive diagnostics and process optimisation, resulting in greater operational efficiency and increased resilience of critical infrastructure.
The tool uses local generative AI models to provide system operators with dynamic, contextual support. Through natural language interaction, users can quickly access technical documentation, perform diagnostics and proactively resolve maintenance issues, as well as identify opportunities for improvement.
Building on Emerson’s many years of expertise in the energy and water sectors, the solution combines industry knowledge with advanced artificial intelligence capabilities to support process optimisation and increase infrastructure efficiency.
Photo credit: Emerson
In the face of increasing demands, system complexity and changing climate conditions, critical infrastructure operators require intelligent tools to help them overcome these challenges. According to Bob Yeager, president of Emerson’s energy and water solutions division, the Ovation™ Virtual Advisor uses generative AI to enable customers to manage key systems more efficiently by automating routine tasks, supporting data analysis and increasing operational awareness.
The new advisor was designed with cybersecurity as a top priority. AI models run locally, using Emerson and customer data to generate secure and accurate recommendations. Furthermore, the algorithms can be customised and refined based on additional technological data and operator knowledge. This enables customers to make more informed business and operational decisions, giving them a competitive advantage.
