Artificial intelligence (AI), which tech giant Microsoft Corp. defines as “any technique that enables computers to mimic human intelligence,” falls squarely within the digital transformation.

Exploration and production (E&P) and oilfield service (OFS) companies have been embracing digitalization for years, and the momentum is not expected to subside anytime soon. 

In a recent study, global technology market research firm ABI Research predicted that natural gas and oil companies would spend $15.6 billion on “digital transformation technologies” by 2030.

“The role of technology is evolving from helping oil and gas firms monitor their large, complex and dangerous operations, to helping them optimize their facilities to handle the volatility in their operating...