Woodside Energy has developed an AI copilot called the Startup Advisor to assist operators in managing the complex startup process of liquefied natural gas (LNG) plants, the company’s vice president for digital, Andrew Melouney, said. The AI system leverages years of operational data and machine learning tools that Woodside has built across exploration, drilling, maintenance, and plant operations. This initiative was reported by technologyreview.com on July 2.
Woodside’s AI adoption began well before generative models became popular, focusing on predictive analytics and optimization systems tailored to its sprawling industrial infrastructure. Melouney explained that the company’s extensive operational data from equipment and plants created high-value use cases for AI. The Startup Advisor is designed not to replace human operators but to augment their expertise in high-stakes environments by supporting complex workflows during LNG plant startups.
The energy sector’s reliance on physical infrastructure and operational continuity makes it a critical area for AI applications beyond consumer-facing tools. Woodside’s approach exemplifies how AI can serve as a core operating layer in industries where safety and precision are paramount. This aligns with broader trends where AI supports industrial systems through predictive maintenance and workflow optimization, distinguishing it from more visible AI applications like chatbots or image generators.
Woodside Energy’s Startup Advisor represents a shift toward agentic AI systems that enhance industrial operations. The company’s long-term investment in AI infrastructure and governance has enabled this development, highlighting the growing role of AI in managing complex energy workflows. Andrew Melouney’s comments were published in technologyreview.com on July 2.