This was the question that Byron Duque, IT Regional Manager of Tecpetrol, put to students at the National Polytechnic School in Quito, Ecuador, as he kicked off his talk on artificial intelligence at a special event organized by the Latin American Drilling Safety (LADS) association.

Nearly 200 engineering students specializing in geology and petroleum studies attended the event, gaining a firsthand look at a rapidly-evolving oil and gas industry and the growing importance of data-driven decision-making in complex operations.

“Sometimes we think of AI as the solution to everything, but at its core, it’s all about applied mathematics and probability calculations. It’s people who are responsible for preparing the data that feeds these systems, representing about 80% of the process. That’s why human intervention remains essential. AI isn’t replacing us, it’s empowering us," pointed out Byron in his talk.

To illustrate the growing range of applications for artificial intelligence in the oil and gas industry, the presentation highlighted several practical examples, such as the use of digital twins. This is a recent development that involves creating virtual replicas of wells that use real-time data to replicate their behavior. The model makes it possible to simulate scenarios, try out operational changes, and evaluate decisions without introducing risks in the field. Another example is the use of predictive models to analyze historical data and estimate the productivity potential of a given field.

The discussion also addressed the responsible use of these technologies. “In addition to empowering us, artificial intelligence comes with a great responsibility when it comes to handling data, confidential information and intellectual property. That’s why the answer to my original question is ‘no’: IA isn’t going to replace us, but it can help us find more oil, faster and with fewer risks,” he explained.

The initiative forms part of Tecpetrol's commitment to knowledge sharing and talent development, creating opportunities for exchange with academic institutions and bringing future professionals closer to the real-world challenges of the energy industry.