Applications of AI and soft computing for challenging problems in the oil industry

An evolution of intelligent detection methods applied in the oil industry, using geological and geophysical data will be given. The most challenging problems of exploration and production may require application of advanced technologies. Our focus in this paper will be to highlight applications of soft computing and artificial intelligence. Specifically, the strength and weakness of human intelligence versus machine intelligence and the need for combining human and machine intelligence is visited. The role soft computing methods (neural networks, fuzzy logic and evolutionary computing) that can play in establishing “hybrid” intelligence for addressing E&P problems is emphasized.