Russia Deploys AI to Prevent Oil Rig Accidents — Before They Happen

An AI system developed by a Russian company is changing how oil rigs are monitored, spotting everything from tiny leaks to full-blown failures before they escalate.

A new artificial intelligence system developed in Russia is helping to prevent accidents at oil production sites — automatically, and in real time. The technology, created by the company Neftis, analyzes data from rod pumping units (RPUs), identifying even minor leaks and mechanical issues long before they turn critical.

The announcement came from Russia’s Ministry of Energy, which highlighted the innovation as a major step forward in oilfield safety and efficiency. According to officials, the system is already being actively deployed at an oil production facility in the Udmurtia region.

Before AI took over, engineers had to spend hours each month manually reviewing roughly 5,000 pump performance graphs. That time-consuming process has now been replaced by a smart algorithm that detects operational anomalies on its own. Twice a day, it generates detailed reports, enabling engineers to act fast on potential issues — from early-stage malfunctions to serious breakdowns.

Russia’s energy sector has increasingly embraced digital solutions in recent years. AI already plays a role in locating new wells, selecting optimal drilling methods for hard-to-reach reserves, and interpreting geological survey data. Neural networks have also been deployed for advanced diagnostics, while virtual flow meters are used to monitor resource output in real time.

The integration of AI-driven systems reflects a broader trend toward digitalization and technological independence in Russia’s energy industry. Beyond the obvious economic benefits, these innovations improve reliability, safety, and environmental sustainability across production sites — proof that even in one of the world’s most traditional industries, the machines are learning fast.