Aramco (2222) made a significant impact during the third edition of the Global AI Summit “GAIN”, which was held in Riyadh from September 10 to 12 under the supervision of the Saudi Data & AI Authority (SDAIA).
Harnessing AI
The global energy giant unveiled new initiatives aimed at developing and applying advanced digital solutions across all its operations. This included inking several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs):
– One MoU was inked with Cerebras Systems and FuriosaAI to explore collaboration in the supercomputing and AI domains.
– Singing another with “Rebellions,” focusing on potentially deploying the latter’s Neural Processing Unit chips in Aramco’s data centers to enhance digital infrastructure and drive advanced AI innovations.
– Penning one with SambaNova Systems to explore ways to accelerate AI capabilities, innovation, and adoption across Saudi Arabia.
So what
Aramco announced the launch of operations on its first AI supercomputer, becoming one of the region’s first corporations to leverage such tech. This supercomputer was designed using some of the most powerful GPUs from Nvidia to quickly complete complex computing tasks such as analyzing drilling plans and geological data.
Aramco will also collaborate with Qualcomm Technologies Aramco on the initial deployment of industrial generative AI solutions. This is in a bid to optimize Aramco’s facility monitoring, predictive maintenance, and use of autonomous drones.
On a different note, Aramco’s Executive Vice President for Technology and Innovation, Ahmad Al Khowaiter, noted that the company will soon be able to provide pricing forecasts and market dynamics trends for its products globally through leveraging AI solutions.
Some context
These “new initiatives” are part of Aramco’s digitization strategy, which includes creating the “first large language model” that provides AI applications in the industrial sector. Aramco also launched the “Eye on AI” program, which is intended to establish robust AI cybersecurity governance and systems as well as equip users with necessary cybersecurity skills.
Now what
Aramco Digital is set to collaborate with AI inference leader “Groq” to establish the world’s largest inferencing data center in KSA.
The center will be a “key component” of Aramco’s digital strategy, enhancing its ability to leverage advanced technologies to achieve operational excellence and contribute to the goals of the Saudi Vision 2030 strategy, it noted.
