Celanese Corporation is a leading chemical and specialty materials company that has successfully embraced agentic AI to enhance its operations. Despite a landscape where only a small percentage of industrial companies are ready for AI, Celanese stands out by building a robust digital platform that enables remote plant management and optimizes production. Their innovative approach involves using knowledge graphs and a tool called JO.AI, which serves as an AI-driven co-pilot for plant operations, helping workers make informed decisions quickly and efficiently. By integrating advanced data management with generative AI, Celanese has significantly improved maintenance and operational workflows, showcasing the potential of AI in the industrial sector within just three and a half years.
Artificial Intelligence Unleashed: Celanese Leads the Way with Agentic AI
According to a recent survey by ARC Advisory Group, only 10% of industrial companies feel ready to implement artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning. Even fewer are utilizing advanced forms like agentic and generative AI. However, Celanese Corporation is setting the bar high, showcasing innovative uses of agentic AI at scale. Ibrahim Al Syed, the company’s Director of Digital Manufacturing, shared insights on Celanese’s progress during the ARC Industry Leadership Forum.
What is Agentic AI?
Agentic AI is a cutting-edge approach where multiple AI agents, each tailored for specific tasks, work together. Unlike traditional AI models that rely on a single algorithm, agentic AI enables collaboration among these specialized agents to solve complex challenges. Generative AI serves as the orchestral conductor, connecting these agents in a smooth, user-friendly experience.
Celanese’s Supply Chain Innovation
Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, Celanese operates globally, generating over $10 billion in annual revenue. With 55 manufacturing sites worldwide, efficient supply chain management is crucial. The company is aware of the safety and efficiency challenges involved in chemical manufacturing, emphasizing the need for real-time solutions that can optimize factory throughput without compromising safety.
The Digital Transformation Journey
Celanese began its digital transformation during the COVID-19 pandemic, recognizing the need for remote support systems. This shift paved the way for the platform that would eventually support agentic AI. Their guiding principle of human-centric design focuses on ensuring workers can access relevant data and tools to perform their tasks effectively, maximizing their potential.
Cognite: The Backbone of Data Management
Celanese chose Cognite’s Data Fusion platform to create a cohesive industrial data framework. This “data fabric” allows seamless access to over 2.5 trillion records from 47 data sources. A well-structured data architecture ensures that employees can find information quickly and efficiently, without the chaos of disconnected systems.
Knowledge Graphs: Creating Contextual Relationships
To improve data usability, Celanese employs knowledge graphs that connect previously isolated data sets. This technology helps find relationships that may not be obvious, enabling informed decision-making. It answers complex questions like “Why did this machine fail?” by analyzing the various data sources and their connections.
Introducing JO.AI: The Intelligent Co-Pilot
The user interface JO.AI leverages generative AI, providing a streamlined way for employees to manage tasks. JO.AI quickly evolved from pilot tests to being implemented across over 50 plants, offering benefits such as improved preventative maintenance by 15%. With JO.AI, Celanese empowers its workforce to diagnose issues more effectively and reduce operational risks.
Conclusion
Celanese’s journey into agentic AI illustrates the potential for transformation in the industrial sector. By embracing data-driven decision-making and focusing on human-centric design, Celanese is paving the way for the future of manufacturing. Their success story motivates other companies to explore AI possibilities, marking a new era in industrial innovation.
For more insights on AI and its impact on industries, stay tuned to our blog.
What is Agentic AI?
Agentic AI refers to artificial intelligence that can make decisions and take actions on its own without needing constant human input. It helps businesses automate tasks and improve efficiency.
How is Celanese using Agentic AI?
Celanese uses Agentic AI to streamline operations, enhance product development, and optimize supply chains. This technology helps them respond quickly to Market changes and customer needs.
What are the benefits of Agentic AI for companies?
Companies can save time and reduce costs by using Agentic AI. It can also improve accuracy and help in analyzing large amounts of data, making it easier to make informed decisions.
Is Agentic AI safe to use?
Yes, when implemented correctly, Agentic AI is safe. Companies prioritize security and ethics to ensure that the technology is used responsibly and does not harm people or the environment.
Can smaller businesses also benefit from Agentic AI?
Absolutely! Smaller businesses can use Agentic AI to improve efficiency and decision-making processes. There are affordable tools available that can help them harness the power of AI.