Smart systems, smarter future. How AI and data are reengineering the way we work and govern, and secure our world.

From energy-intensive industrial zones to data-rich urban centres, a new class of infrastructure is emerging, intelligent by design, adaptive by nature, and deeply integrated with how economies function, and societies evolve.

This is not a speculative future. Across the globe, artificial intelligence, advanced analytics, and autonomous systems are reshaping the foundations of public services, critical infrastructure, and private enterprise.

A global shift in motion

A powerful transformation is underway - a system-level evolution driven by AI, data, and automation. Across industries and regions, organizations are moving from reactive workflows to predictive, data-driven operations.

In the Gulf of Mexico, deepwater platforms use AI for real-time predictive maintenance. The Port of Rotterdam’s leverages digital-twin to streamline logistics. Industries are shifting from reactive workflows to data-driven operations. Cities like Tallinn are embedding data into governance and public services.

In Georgia, blockchain-backed land registries are enhancing transparency and reducing fraud. In Brazil, AI-powered smart irrigation systems are helping farmers optimize water use while increasing yields.

Intelligence that sees, learns, and acts

We are witnessing a rapid scaling of systems that can perceive, learn, adapt and in many cases, act autonomously. These technologies are transforming and optimizing operations across sectors.

From energy grids that balance renewable input and demand in real time, reducing outages and improving sustainability, to predictive maintenance systems in oil and gas that detect micro-anomalies before they escalate into costly failures; intelligent technologies are transforming how infrastructure performs.

Autonomous drones now monitor borders, infrastructure, and agricultural zones across vast, previously inaccessible terrain, while AI-powered urban surveillance and emergency response platforms are triaging incidents, rerouting traffic, and deploying first responders with speed and precision. Crucially these innovations are no longer limited to major cities or advanced economies, they are being deployed in resource-constrained environments, where the need is urgent, the challenges are complex, and the impact is immediate.

Innovation without trust is risk

As intelligent systems become more capable and autonomous, the imperative to embed resilience, ethical oversight, and inclusive governance grows stronger. These infrastructure cannot exist in isolation, it must be governed, protected, and made inclusive. Cybersecurity is now a foundation principle, not just protection against malware, but against misinformation, misuse, and bias.

AI-generated decisions in critical domains – such as utility usage, policing, or healthcare must be explainable, auditable, and equitable. Data must be secured not just from outside threats, but from internal misuse. Along with the CIA triad; trust and transparency are no longer optional, they are strategic differentiators.

From smart cities, it’s about smart futures

The focus is shifting from isolated smart city initiatives to integrated, resilient, and inclusive systems. Smart technologies are no longer aspirational—they are operational. The challenge now lies in applying these tools with clarity, integrity, and foresight, ensuring they drive sustainable growth, secure operations, and equitable outcomes.

This is not just about building smarter cities - it’s about shaping smart futures where intelligent systems support long-term resilience, inclusivity, and strategic progress.

Building infrastructure that thinks and protects

At Commercis, we design, build, and secure the systems shaping the future of critical operations. From real-time monitoring platforms for energy networks, to AI-secured command centres for government agencies, to satellite-connected smart logistics across Africa - we engineer solutions that empower intelligent decisions and autonomous resilience.

Our deep global experience spans energy, defence, telecommunications, and enterprise operations, combining domain expertise with deep technical execution. From autonomous networks in desert oil fields to cyber defence infrastructure, or secure satellite-driven connectivity supporting humanitarian response, we help customers move from concept to impact with confidence.

This is bigger than smart cities—it’s about smart futures

The real opportunity lies not in isolated innovation, but in systems-level change. The conversation must move beyond smart cities and toward smart economies, smart infrastructure, and smart governance. The tools are here. This requires shifting the focus from isolated innovation to integrated, scalable, and resilient solutions.

Smart systems are no longer aspirational - they are operational. The challenge now is to deploy these technologies with clarity, integrity, and foresight, ensuring they contribute to a more inclusive, secure, and sustainable future. By embracing this broader vision, we move from building smart cities to shaping smart futures - where intelligent infrastructure supports long-term progress and societal resilience.

Work reimagined. Is AI quietly redefining how we think, lead, and get things done?

What if the future of work isn’t about working harder or even smarter, but thinking differently altogether? As artificial intelligence (AI) continues its meteoric rise, the conversation is shifting. We are no longer just talking about automation or efficiency. We are now facing a more complex question, how is AI fundamentally reshaping the very way we work, lead, and make decisions?

Take UPS’s ORION system, for instance. It uses AI and advanced algorithms to optimize delivery routes—saving fuel, cutting time, reducing costs, and minimizing environmental impact. This isn’t just operational improvement—it’s intelligent transformation.

From the idea and toll to a teammate

All is a provocative idea. After all, AI began as a tool—streamlining processes, automating tasks, cutting costs. But that narrative is starting to feel outdated. Increasingly, Increasingly, AI is becoming a collaborator in our workflows. It’s not just accelerating tasks; it’s reimagining how they are done.

We are seeing a quiet revolution in workflow design, intelligent systems that don't just follow rules - they learn, adapt, and suggest. Need to reprioritize projects based on shifting customer demand? Your AI can flag it. Facing a bottleneck? It might tell you where and why, before you even realize it. This isn’t about replacing humans; it’s about liberating them from the drag of manual processes and unlocking higher-level thinking.

Empowerment and climb the decision tree

AI’s influence doesn’t stop at process improvement; it’s climbing up the decision tree too. Today’s platforms can analyse variables so complex they are effectively invisible to the human eye. In high-stakes environments like finance, healthcare, supply chains, AI is not just accelerating decisions, it’s sharpening them. It can forecast risks, model future scenarios, and offer probabilistic guidance with startling precision.

For example, IBM Watson for Oncology helps doctors make evidence-based treatment recommendations, supporting oncologists in high-stakes decision-making.

Sounds ideal. But here is the rub, are we ready to trust it?

Trust, transparency, and explainability

As decision-making becomes more data-driven, transparency becomes the new currency of trust. Enter explainable AI (XAI), technology designed to show not just what it decides, but how. Without that transparency, even the most accurate AI will remain suspect in the eyes of those who rely on it. And if people don’t trust it, they won’t use it or worse, they will misuse it.

Rethinking leadership

Perhaps the most under-discussed and most difficult transformation is happening at the top. As AI reshapes how decisions are made, leaders are being called to do something far harder than adopt technology, redefine their role.

Leadership today demands more than understanding the tech. It requires sponsoring cultural change, aligning departments, and rethinking what strategic leadership means in a world of augmented intelligence. Leaders must now ask how do we govern AI? Who owns its decisions? What values guide its use?

Institutions like Microsoft’s AI Business School are already teaching leaders how to build responsible AI principles—and ask the right questions.

Augmentation over replacement

It’s natural to fear that AI will replace jobs. But the more productive conversation is about augmentation. The best outcomes happen when AI complements human intuition and does not compete with it.

Machines can parse patterns across billions of data points. Humans bring empathy, ethics, and nuance. The real promise of AI lies in collaborative intelligence, human and machine working together to solve problems neither could tackle alone.

Culture is the catalyst

The organizations thriving in this new era aren’t just building better tech. They are reskilling talent, designing ethical frameworks, and embedding open, ongoing dialogue about AI’s role. They are engineering culture as deliberately as they engineer code.

Because the truth is, no AI transformation succeeds without human alignment. You can plug in the best algorithms, but if your people aren’t onboard, empowered, and prepared, the tech will stall.

Leading what is next

So where does this leave us? In a word, somewhere new. We are entering a chapter where intelligence, both human and machine, is fluid, shared, and evolving. The organizations that will lead aren’t just those with the best tools, but those with the boldness to ask better questions, embrace uncertainty, and rethink the very fabric of work. The future isn’t arriving, it’s already here. The question is are we leading it, or reacting to it?

References

*1 https://www.roundtrip.ai/articles/ups-route-optimization-software?

*2 https://ascopost.com/issues/june-25-2017/how-watson-for-oncology-is-advancing-personalized-patient-care/

*3 https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/ai/responsible-ai?

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/training/paths/transform-your-business-with-microsoft-ai/?

Fortifying the future; fragmented multi-data centre storage as a cornerstone of cybersecurity strategy

In today’s digital economy, data is more than an asset—it’s a target. As cyber threats grow increasingly sophisticated, organizations must evolve their defences beyond traditional measures. Fragmented storage across multiple secure data centres is emerging as a critical pillar in modern cybersecurity strategy, fundamentally reshaping how businesses protect their most valuable information.

While distributing data across various locations has long been a standard disaster recovery tactic, today’s security environment demands much more. Fragmented storage takes resilience to the next level by splitting data into encrypted fragments using advanced algorithms and dispersing those fragments across multiple, geographically distant, ultra-secure facilities. No single location ever holds the complete dataset. This approach ensures that even if a breach occurs at one data canter, the stolen information is rendered useless without access to all other fragments and the necessary decryption keys—raising the barrier for even the most sophisticated cybercriminals.

Fragmented storage transforms the cybersecurity landscape by making breaches far less rewarding for attackers. If bad actors manage to access a single site, they retrieve only meaningless, incomplete data fragments. Without the full set of pieces and the means to reassemble and decrypt them, the stolen information holds no value. By dramatically increasing the complexity and cost of attacks, fragmented storage effectively tilts the playing field back in favour of defenders.

This strategy is not just a technical innovation—it’s a business imperative that demands the attention of leaders. Fragmentation reduces the risk of catastrophic breaches by eliminating single points of compromise, thus safeguarding sensitive customer data, intellectual property, and corporate secrets. It also enhances compliance with increasingly stringent data protection regulations such as GDPR and CCPA, by minimizing data exposure within any one jurisdiction and ensuring a higher standard of privacy. Furthermore, this architecture supports robust business continuity; in the event of a disaster, outage, or attack, organizations can swiftly reconstruct their data from unaffected sites and keep operations running without disruption. Most importantly, fragmented multi-data centre storage aligns naturally with zero-trust security models, cloud-native architectures, and the rapid expansion of edge computing, providing a resilient, future-proof foundation for growth.

However, successfully deploying this strategy requires choosing infrastructure partners who offer geographically distributed Tier III or IV facilities, leverage end-to-end encryption with advanced fragmentation algorithms, maintain automated failover and data reassembly protocols, and meet strict compliance standards such as ISO 27001 and SOC 2. Real-time monitoring and robust access controls are essential components of this security framework. Several global infrastructure providers are adopting fragmented storage architectures, positioning them not just as technological improvements but as critical components of modern cybersecurity strategies.

In a world where cyberattacks increasingly threaten trust, business operations, and reputation, fragmented multi-data canter storage is not merely about protecting data—it’s about fortifying the future. Organizations that embed resilience into their core infrastructure today will be the ones who lead confidently in tomorrow’s digital-first economy.

From always-on to intentionally balanced. How AI and automation tools can improve work-life harmony

In today’s hyperconnected world, the boundary between work and personal life is often blurred. Technology keeps us constantly plugged in, but when used wisely, it can also be the key to restoring balance.

In recent years, AI and automation tools have become deeply embedded in our work routines. Tools that automate email sorting, integrate CRMs, or generate reports help professionals save hours every week. While they have made us faster and more productive, they have also created a paradox, greater efficiency often leads to the pressure to accomplish even more.

These tools help us boost efficiency, streamline repetitive tasks, and stay on top of ever-expanding to-do lists. Now, as these tools continue to evolve, they’re beginning to offer something even more valuable; the opportunity to reclaim time, reduce stress, and restore a healthier work-life balance.

That’s where a mindset shift is taking place. The same AI-driven tools that help us get more done can also help us do less, or at least, do things smarter. By offloading routine work, we can conserve mental energy for what truly matters, both in and outside of work.

Take calendar management, for example. AI-powered tools like Motion, Clockwise, and Reclaim.ai analyze how we spend our time and intelligently reorganize tasks and meetings. Originally intended to improve productivity, these tools are now increasingly being used to protect personal time , like focus hours, lunch breaks, or family commitments. The key difference is intention, using technology to set boundaries rather than overextend them.

Virtual assistants such as Google Assistant and Microsoft Copilot extend this further by proactively suggesting the best time to tackle tasks, based on factors like energy levels, workloads, and even the weather. They help bring order to chaos, allowing us to approach the day more thoughtfully.

Communication, too, is becoming more streamlined. AI writing tools like Grammarly, Jasper, and ChatGPT speed up the process of drafting emails, writing reports, or taking notes. Meeting summarization tools such as Otter, Fireflies, and tl;dv allow users to skip meetings while still staying informed, minimizing redundant follow-ups and reducing screen fatigue.

In addition to saving time, automation also addresses decision fatigue, a common source of burnout. Many in the workforce already use automation for tasks like invoice creation, client onboarding, and social media scheduling. Beyond time savings, these workflows reduce the number of small decisions we need to make daily, helping us preserve focus for more urgent things.

This principle extends beyond the workplace. AI is increasingly supporting personal wellbeing. Apps like Headspace, Wysa, and Replika offer AI-guided meditation, therapy-like conversations, and emotional check-ins. Employers are also integrating these tools into wellness initiatives to proactively support employee mental health.

Wearable devices powered by AI, such as the Oura Ring or Whoop, go even further, analyzing sleep patterns and recovery metrics to provide personalized recommendations. This helps users better align their daily routines with their body’s natural rhythms, improving both performance and rest.

Ultimately, the purpose of AI and automation isn’t just productivity, it’s human flourishing. These technologies can eliminate friction, reduce stress, and give us back the time and clarity we have lost to digital overload. But this only works with mindful adoption, choosing the right tools and using them with purpose.

When thoughtfully integrated, AI doesn’t replace human effort, it amplifies it. It empowers us to live and work with greater clarity, presence, and intention. In doing so, it offers a path not just to getting more done, but to living more fully.

Quantum computing, from theory to business reality faster than expected

For years, quantum computing has been classified as an emerging technology—one with vast theoretical potential but still distant from practical impact. However, recent breakthroughs from global giant tech players suggest that quantum capabilities are advancing at a far quicker pace than previously anticipated. With new error correction techniques and scalable quantum chips, the transition from research labs to real-world applications is accelerating.

Companies that once considered quantum computing as a long-term consideration may now need to reassess their timelines. As quantum systems move from theoretical models to early-stage commercial implementations, the competitive landscape is shifting, forcing industries to explore the potential implications—and challenges—sooner rather than later.

Unlike classical computers, which process data in binary form (0s and 1s), quantum computers operate using qubits, which can exist in multiple states simultaneously due to superposition and can interact with each other through entanglement. This unique property allows quantum machines to solve complex problems at speeds exponentially greater than even the most powerful supercomputers.

The potential applications span across several key industries, each standing to benefit from quantum’s ability to process massive datasets, enhance simulations, and optimize complex systems in ways never before possible.

For the finance & risk management sector, quantum computing could enable real-time risk analysis, fraud detection, and portfolio optimization at unprecedented levels of complexity. Institutions handling massive financial data sets may soon gain capabilities far beyond what classical computing allows.

The potential identified across the pharmaceuticals & healthcare are drug discovery, molecular simulation, and personalized medicine stand to which can be revolutionized by quantum algorithms. Simulating molecular interactions—currently an extremely time-consuming computational process—could be drastically accelerated, leading to faster drug development and more effective treatments.

Optimizing supply chains and manufacturing operations could become more efficient with quantum-enhanced decision-making models, minimizing costs and improving operational resilience.

Artificial Intelligence & machine learning could undergo a significant leap forward, as quantum computing enhances deep learning algorithms, optimization processes, and complex neural network computations, pushing the boundaries of automation, pattern recognition, and problem-solving.

Yet, with every technological revolution comes a new set of risks—and in the case of quantum computing, cybersecurity remains a critical concern.

Today's encryption standards, which safeguard financial transactions, sensitive personal data, and even national security systems, rely on the mathematical difficulty of breaking cryptographic keys. However, a sufficiently advanced quantum computer could potentially crack these encryption methods in a fraction of the time it would take a classical computer, rendering much of today’s cybersecurity infrastructure obsolete.

In response, researchers and organizations are working on quantum-resistant encryption protocols, but businesses must start evaluating their long-term security strategies now to prevent potential vulnerabilities when quantum attacks become a reality.

Quantum computing is still in its early stages, and widespread commercial adoption is not imminent. However, its trajectory is unmistakable. Companies that begin exploring potential applications, assessing risks, and investing in talent and partnerships today will be best positioned to capitalize on quantum advancements when they become mainstream.

The question is no longer whether quantum computing will transform industries, but how soon. Organizations that adapt early and strategically prepare for this paradigm shift will gain a crucial competitive edge, while those who wait risk being left behind in the next great technological revolution.

Connectivity, the driving force of innovation, today and tomorrow

Connectivity isn’t just a utility—it’s the lifeblood of global innovation. Powering industries, transforming communication, and redefining how we live and work, it fuels the future. As technology accelerates, next-generation and non-terrestrial networks are revolutionizing real-time connectivity, meeting the surging demand for seamless, always-on communication.

The foundation of modern innovation

Modern technology thrives on an invisible force that keeps the world connected. From high-speed broadband and fiber optics to satellite networks and 5G, seamless data transfer has become the backbone of industry innovation. Whether powering artificial intelligence, cloud computing, or automation, none of these advancements can exist without a robust, scalable, and reliable connectivity infrastructure.

Driving real-time data transfer and industry innovation

Data is the backbone of business and technological advancements, transforming industries and reshaping decision-making at every level. The ability to process and analyze vast amounts of real-time data is revolutionizing supply chains, enhancing healthcare, and powering Industry 4.0 applications. From autonomous vehicles to secure financial transactions, the demand for instant, intelligent data exchange is unlocking new possibilities, streamlining operations, and fueling unprecedented efficiency.

The role of connectivity in smart cities and IoT

The rise of smart cities and the proliferation of IoT (Internet of Things) devices are further testament to the indispensable nature of connectivity. Smart grids, intelligent transportation systems, connected healthcare solutions, and automated infrastructure rely on seamless communication between devices, powered by strong and resilient networks. As urban centres continue to expand, investments in next-generation connectivity solutions will be crucial in ensuring sustainability, security, and efficiency in city management.

Looking ahead, the evolution of connectivity

The future of connectivity is already unfolding, driven by advancements in 6G, satellite internet, and edge computing. These innovations are not just on the horizon—they are actively transforming the digital landscape, accelerating progress, and unlocking unprecedented possibilities at an unprecedented pace.

6G networks, promising ultra-high speeds, near-instantaneous latency, and AI-driven network automation, it is believed the 6G will unlock new frontiers in immersive experiences, extended reality (XR), and quantum communication.

Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN), with the rise of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellations are bridging the digital divide, bringing high-speed internet to underserved and remote regions. As satellite and terrestrial networks converge, the promise of global, uninterrupted connectivity becoming a reality.

Edge computing and AI integration to reduce reliance on centralized cloud infrastructure, edge computing enables data processing closer to the source, enhancing speed, security, and efficiency in IoT and industrial applications.

Investing in the future

The rapid evolution of connectivity requires ongoing investment in infrastructure to meet future demands. Governments, enterprises, and technology providers must collaborate to build resilient, scalable, and secure networks that can support the increasing complexity of digital ecosystems. As emerging technologies continue to redefine the way we interact with the world, robust connectivity will be the key enabler in unlocking limitless potential across industries.

Connectivity is no longer just an enabler—it is the backbone of modern innovation. From smart cities and IoT to AI-driven automation and the next wave of industrial advancements, the ability to transmit data seamlessly and securely will determine the future of global progress. As we move through 2025 and beyond, the companies and nations that prioritize connectivity will be the ones leading the charge in technological innovation and economic growth. The future is now—how we invest in connectivity today will define the possibilities of tomorrow.

How leading-edge technologies – AI, AR, IIoT are changing the energy industry

There’s no avoiding the modern-day oil industry's rigorous challenges and volatility.

Consumer demand and prices fluctuate fervently, and all organisations in the sector must navigate the ups and downs of the geopolitical landscape, which can cause supplies to get cut in the blink of an eye.

Oil is also among the most profitable sectors worldwide, amassing $4 trillion in global profits in 2022.

Industry players must meet the balance of navigating risks and maximising profits. Doing so necessitates optimised, efficient operations.

Managing and mitigating volatile industry circumstances means shoring up all inefficiencies, trimming all excess fat and saving money wherever possible.

Enter the digital transformation in oil, which is set to yield efficient, sustainable, safer, and more profitable results. To this point, artificial intelligence (AI) adoption in the oil and gas industry has the potential to contribute to $1.2 trillion of industry-wide savings by 2030.

AI, and augmented reality (AR) have a harmonious relationship, especially regarding the digital transformation in oil.

The combination of the two enhances capabilities via intelligent data processing. They overlay information dynamically (creating an augmented environment to empower decision-making with actionable insights, putting equipment status on the operator’s field, etc.). That’s all before integrating AI and AR with the Internet of Things.

Below, we’ll explore AR further, examine how it’s changing the oil industry, and discuss its role in digitally transforming the sector.

What Is Augmented Reality?

AR overlays computer-generated information, pictures, and movies on the outside world, altering our reality experience.

To some, this may sound like VR or virtual reality. However, VR calibrates with users in a simulation. Conversely, AR implements digital characteristics into the real world.

Use cases (beyond the oil industry) for AR include:

These AR iterations might not directly apply to the oil industry–but they are transferable to functions that meet the sector's needs.

Where Does AR Fit In With The Oil Industry?

This section will delve into current and potential use cases of AR in the oil industry:

One such example includes AR-powered headsets being clipped to hard hats. These can offer technicians hands-free instructions directly onto equipment for system maintenance or inspections.

The necessary tools, steps, and parts can be precisely animated by AR, dramatically reducing uncertainty and errors and streamlining efficiency. Furthermore, these animations can provide sensor data and checklists. They can also visually illustrate which parts need replacement, removal, or adjustment.

AR can help technicians work independently of physical manuals, providing the same information through graphics as needed.

Equipment changes can also be planned by technicians using AR.

For instance, oil companies—faced with a complex environment–have used AR to help mechanics visualise a cable’s optimal location and the fastening process. They saw clearly the challenges they’d encounter and were prepared to overcome them seamlessly due to AR.

Two-way communications can be offered through AR headsets, enabling back-and-forths between remotely located experts and support technicians, who obtain a virtual look over their shoulders in high-definition, real-time video. Simultaneously, a recording can be generated for future use and quality control. This can enable real-life stimulation of hazardous events and safer training environment to delivery engineers. Furthermore, this helps retention and upskill of staff in a secure environment.

AR can also display what happens inside a technician’s equipment. They can then learn how to optimise necessary adjustments and prevent damage to resources.

AR In the Big Picture

AR offers many advantages, but it’s not without limitations; one is the lack of widespread adoption. If AR is to reach its destined heights, widespread usage and acceptance are a must.

While the technology is impressive as it stands, it can keep evolving to continue offering more to those utilising it. It’s still relatively new and must keep developing to keep up with the continual challenges facing those in the industry.

Yet, discrepancies exist between executive priorities and digital transformation in the oil industry, according to numbers from McKinsey & Company. To add some context, operational excellence and margin optimisation are prioritised at a higher level.

Ironically, by adopting full-fledged digital transformation in oil, operational excellence and margin optimisation are more likely to be achieved than without adopting it.

Digital transformation in the oil industry means implementing AR, AI, and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). Coordinating and integrating these technologies to work harmoniously with each other enables disparate systems to communicate and share real-time data at all operational levels.

Thus, the tech is brought to the edge–closer to operations. An interconnected digital ecosystem gets cultivated, and silos are eliminated.

While AR–in and of itself–is a vital tool, its benefits independently pale compared to what it offers as (a crucial) part of an interconnected digital network.

The Digital Oilfield: AI/AR/IIoT And Smart Technology Benefits

Here’s a more detailed breakdown of what benefits an entirely digitally transformed oilfield can:

Reach Out To Commercis To Learn More

Technology will be the driving force in the oil industry from this point forward. Companies that adopt it and remain on the cutting edge will have a competitive advantage over their slow-to-act competitors.

Commercis is a trusted and experienced tech partner that provides innovative solutions tailored to your needs. Our commitment and vast knowledge surrounding digital transformation are unparalleled, and our knowledgeable teams will dedicate themselves to taking your oil company to the next level.

Contact us today to learn more.

How AI, AR and IIoT can transform and connect the oilfield for a resilient future

Commercis to showcase insights of AI as an emerging integrator of technologies and its role in digitilisation of the oilfield operations.

In a groundbreaking move toward advancing efficiency and productivity in the oil and gas industry, Commercis, a leader in delivery of smart technologies and connectivity proudly announces the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) as the central orchestrator of technologies within the oilfield.

As the energy sector continues to evolve, embracing leading-edge technologies, like AI, Augmented Reality (AR) and Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) becomes paramount for maintaining a competitive edge. The incorporation of AI serves as a transformative force, uniting various technologies to streamline operations, enhance decision-making processes, and optimize overall performance in the oilfield.

To harness successfully the power of AI, Commercis identifies which technologies and platforms are critical and therefore employs intelligent data analytics to process vast amounts of information in real-time. This enables a comprehensive understanding of oilfield conditions, facilitating data-driven decision-making and predictive maintenance.

By deploying autonomous systems, Commercis ensures safer and more efficient processes, reducing human intervention and minimizing operational risks. Through intelligent AI algorithms, Commercis solutions enable optimised allocation of resources, ensuring that workforce and talent, equipment, and assets are utilized efficiently.

This not only enhances operational efficiency but also contributes to a more sustainable and cost-effective oilfield ecosystem. Similarly, AI can play a crucial role in enhancing safety protocols by continuous monitoring and analysing data, enabling timely identification of potential hazards and mitigation of risk. With access to this vast data, future engineers can use this accrued knowledge to train in real-life simulations in a safe and controlled setting, allowing them to practice complex tasks without the risk of injury or damage to equipment, promoting a safer working environment and knowledge retention.

The integration of AI facilitates predictive maintenance models that anticipate equipment failures before they occur. This proactive approach minimizes downtime, extends the lifespan of equipment, and ultimately reduces operational costs.

Alan Afrasiab, President and CEO at Commercis expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity to share insights on the innovations at Automa 2023. "We are thrilled we were able to be part of the congress and present how AI serves as the linchpin in integrating diverse technologies within the oilfields. Commercis is committed to pushing the boundaries of innovation within the oil and gas industry, and by integrating AI as the central hub for various technologies, we aim to elevate operational excellence, reduce environmental impact, and contribute to a sustainable energy future”.

Augmented Reality (AR) as a technology enabler to digitalisation of global operations...

Augmented Reality (AR) as a technology enabler to digitalisation of global operations in delivery of connectivity and complex network solutions.

Talia, a Commercis Plc company and global leader in providing communications solutions and services to organisations based in remote locations, has unveiled a first-in-class augmented reality (AR) support platform that enables field service engineers to deliver evidence-based support services.

In the aftermath of the global pandemic, vendors have experienced resource shortages and economic pressures in the face of rising demand. These challenges are leading many to look to new and innovative ways to continue to deliver robust service and support.

Talia believes AR can significantly benefit clients when delivering first-line support, especially in inspection, maintenance, education, and repairs. First, interventions and analysis can be undertaken remotely, enabling immediate fixes for non-critical faults, saving time and enhancing service quality. Secondly, carefully scripted scenarios enable remote expert engineers to clearly and safely navigate complex infrastructure directly, assisting client-based technicians.

"Engineering expertise combined with the latest augmented reality technology enables Talia and its clients to facilitate a more sophisticated approach to support, a clearer understanding of service issues along with faster, more intelligent decision-making," said Alan Afrasiab, Talia CEO and President. "Investing in innovative technologies minimises risks and decreases the time required to complete tasks whilst increasing productivity and reducing operational costs; it also frees up time and reduces dependency on our engineers, ensuring they can share their knowledge and respond to the most urgent issues."

The combination of continuously evolving high-performance headsets, connectivity and software applications makes AR technology a compelling solution for clients.

Eliminating the reliance on in-person service not only means that engineers can stay focussed on critical issues while delivering fast responses and solutions to clients but also that the environmental impact of staff travelling to a site can be reduced, further easing global sustainability pressures.

Furthermore, by recording interactions and analysing data collected, Talia can identify potential issues and more severe hazards to mitigate risk. With access to this data, future engineers can use this accrued knowledge to train in real-life simulations in a safe and controlled setting, allowing them to practice complex tasks without the risk of injury or damage to equipment.

AR can be hugely beneficial by providing real-time intelligence to support operational and preventive maintenance decision-making. With further enhancements in artificial intelligence, the scale and reach of solutions and services offered, future maintenance and problem-solving can be faster and potentially further automated.

What is Software Defined Satellite Technology?

The satellite industry is one of the modern world's biggest and most important sectors. It has various applications ranging from GPS signalling and telecommunications to cutting-edge orbital telescopes for space research.

For decades, satellite technology has allowed governments, businesses, and individuals to communicate, particularly in areas with poor terrestrial connectivity. Despite their significant benefits, satellite communications have always been limited in reach and performance.

Software Defined Satellite is the latest development in the satellite industry. It is designed to replace traditional hardware components with software. The ability to reconfigure the satellite means that the mission can change over time and be modified to meet changing demands.

This article explains how the introduction of software-defined satellite technology impacts the satellite industry.

Game-Changing Special Features of the Software Defined Satellite

It Has Reuse Capabilities

The main benefit of software-defined satellites is the ability to reuse a single satellite for multiple applications. This enables it to serve multiple users with varying needs.

The new technology entails transitioning from traditional investments in satellite ground-based infrastructure to a flexible and open virtualized network environment.

By shifting customization capabilities to software, generic satellites can be reconfigured when necessary. This is a significant cost-saving approach over maintaining a satellite in a static configuration for many years.

Flexibility

Flexibility is one of the main advantages of software defined satellite units. It gives operators the freedom to change their mission. This was previously one of the most challenging aspects of space exploration.

The mission for the next five to fifteen years was defined once a satellite was launched. Some of its functionality could be changed by developers, but the mission was well-defined. Having an SDS allows operators to change this feature, making these devices adaptable to new emerging missions.

It is Convenient

The traditional satellite required anyone interested in deploying a satellite in space to go through a multi-step process. This includes designing the satellite based on the specific functionality, locating a launch or mission provider, building the necessary hardware, obtaining permits and licences, and so on.

However, the software defined approach enables the deployment of a software code to an existing satellite in a day, and operations can begin instantly.

Platform-Independence

Previous satellites relied heavily on specific hardware to perform their functions. This will be a thing of the past with the new SDS, which runs on software. This enables the development of platform-independent, portable applications that can be reused across multiple satellite platforms as long as the models in the family are sufficiently compatible.

Gives Way to Future Possibilities

The most difficult advantage of using a "software-defined" framework for satellite development will be to predict. The benefits of "software-defined satellites" extend well beyond the potential to reconfigure a satellite for multiple clients and missions.

Creating an entirely new domain for independent developers may result in the same explosion of new applications as the creation of modern smartphones or the World Wide Web. When all of the infrastructure for low-cost, low-friction software installation on space-based platforms is in place, breakthroughs will undoubtedly follow.

Low Price

The space industry is one of the world's most capital-intensive sectors. The increasing availability of satellite data has lowered the barriers to entry for small businesses and solo business owners, even home users with the launch of OneWeb and Starlink.

The software-defined satellite uses a model in which multiple satellite missions can share access to a single satellite's resources and charge users on a pay-per-use basis. This could lead to many more people participating in the upstream space segment due to cost reductions.

It is Customer Centred

These satellites enable real-time optimization and change of coverage, power, beams, and bandwidth and deliver capacity when customers need it. This is especially true for mobility, which has variable demands such as time of day, flight routes, hotspots, etc. It optimises payload utilisation because capacity is well-spent where there is no demand.

Operators can also respond to shifts in demand, such as customer demographics and business models. Additionally, operators can attend to fast-changing needs, including moving bandwidth and power around a region to support new traffic.

In most cases, they can be modified in a matter of minutes to respond to changes in customer or network demand. Emerging issues such as signal interference can be easily detected and fixed immediately.

Revenue Opportunities

According to NSR, the growing software defined satellite market represents an $86.9 billion cumulative revenue opportunity from its launch and manufacturing operations by 2030. Adopting innovations such as software-defined platforms enable operators to create new business cases and opportunities for growth.

Unleashes the Full Potential of 5G and 6G

Software defined satellite technology will be critical in the construction and operation of 5G and 6G networks. They provide distinct advantages in terms of resilience, coverage, security, and mobility. They will efficiently make 5G and 6G accessible everywhere to businesses and citizens worldwide.

Software defined satellites will be critical in extending 5G networks to air, sea, and other remote areas that small cell networks cannot reach. Satellites provide seamless coverage of 5G services from cities to aeroplanes, cruise ships, and other automobiles in remote locations for end users.

5G will usher in a new era of communications, connecting more homes and businesses, enabling more powerful applications, increasing throughput and efficiency, and opening up new market opportunities. The technology will bring about the fourth industrial revolution, with 5G and 6G-powered smart homes, smart cities, and smart agriculture transforming how we live and work.

How SDS Will Restructure Satellite Operations

Traditionally, the ground section and satellites were viewed as separate entities, with the satellite acting as a fixed, bent pipe. However, with software-defined payloads, they operate as a single synchronised system. Ground operation will also change by shifting from closed, human-operated hardware to open, versatile, automated software to match the functionalities and flexibility of the satellites.

Converting analogue broadcasting signals to digital packets, virtualizing hardware to software, and automating as many operations as possible are all part of this. The ground can operate much more flexibly thanks to digitised satellite signals and virtualized signal processing, allowing operators to maximise the value of software-defined payloads.

Both space agencies and the space industry are now recognizing the benefits of "software-defined satellite" technologies. The SDS has become a game changer because the latest software development is much more open and available to the global programming community. Satellite mission innovation and operations are becoming more accessible. This will allow more business concepts to be implemented and tested in a real space mission context.