Honeywell has unveiled Experion Cognition, an AI-enabled control system designed to move industrial operations closer to autonomous control rooms—capable not just of monitoring plants, but actively making decisions and optimizing performance in real time.

 

The system was demonstrated in a live proof-of-concept at Borouge Group International AG’s Ruwais facility in Abu Dhabi, marking what the companies describe as a major step toward AI-driven industrial operations in the petrochemical sector.

 

At the core of the platform is Experion Cognition, an AI layer built on Honeywell’s existing Experion PKS control system. It continuously analyzes plant conditions, detects abnormalities early, and can recommend—or in some cases execute—corrective actions before issues escalate into downtime or safety incidents.

 

“The industry has talked about autonomous control rooms for years – and now, Experion Cognition brings autonomous control rooms into production, driving safer operations and stronger performance in complex environments,” said Jim Masso, president and CEO of Honeywell Process Automation. 

 

“With AI-powered agents actively managing process abnormalities, operators can consistently achieve better results, day after day.”

 

The company says the system is designed to reduce human workload in high-pressure control environments, where operators are often required to respond rapidly to complex process deviations. By shifting routine cognitive tasks to AI agents, Honeywell aims to help address growing skills shortages as experienced industrial operators retire.

 

“Representing the petrochemical industry’s first AI autonomous operations, this collaboration sets a new industry standard for efficiency and innovation, upskilling our people, as well as boosting our performance and competitiveness,” said Hasan Karam, Chief Operating Officer of Borouge International. 

 

“This initiative is a core component of Borouge International’s AI, Digitalization & Technology program reflecting our continued focus on disciplined execution, operational impact and long-term value creation.”

 

According to Honeywell, early pilots suggest the platform can predict abnormal events 5–10 minutes before alarms are triggered, giving operators critical lead time to intervene or allow automated systems to respond.

 

Experion Cognition also includes an Operations Assistant module and is designed for seamless integration into existing control room infrastructure. The company plans commercial availability in Q3 2026, positioning it as a next-generation upgrade for industrial facilities already running Experion systems.

 

If successful at scale, the pilot could signal a broader shift in heavy industry: from operator-led control rooms to AI-coordinated autonomous operations.