ABB has launched ABB Ability™ Augmented Operator, an AI-enabled software suite intended to help control room operators detect anomalies earlier, see how similar situations were previously handled in their facility and test a response before making a change. The company introduced the Augmented Operator software at ADIPEC 2026 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
According to ABB, the software explains its reasoning from past data but leaves decision-making with human operators. It has been developed for chemicals, oil and gas, power generation, water and other industries.
How the Augmented Operator software works
The company said Augmented Operator integrates into operators’ existing daily control system workflows. It combines operational context, process knowledge and AI-enabled guidance to help operators understand what is happening and make decisions faster and with more confidence.
The system uses AI that analyses multiple pieces of data at the same time to detect subtle changes in a process. It also searches years of plant history to show how similar situations were handled, forecasts critical process variables and simulates outcomes.
ABB said these functions work as one integrated system, with findings presented in a single view. Because it draws on a facility’s own operating history, new operators can benefit from the knowledge and decision-making of previous control room teams.
Keeping humans in the loop
Gino Hernandez, Head of Global Digital Business at ABB’s Energy Industries division, said: “AI will play a growing part in the control rooms of industrial facilities, but it has to earn its place there. Operators need to understand and trust the tools they rely on, so how AI is introduced matters as much as what it can do.”
He added: “ABB has designed Augmented Operator to explain its reasoning, draw on a facility’s own experience and let operators test a change before they make it. This offering is an important step toward more autonomous operations, while keeping the humans in the loop.”
Skills shortages and centralised control rooms
The launch comes as industrial sectors face a growing skills challenge. According to the International Energy Agency, in advanced economies there are 2.4 energy workers nearing retirement for every new entrant aged under 25, a figure published in its analysis of energy employment and growing skills shortages.
ABB noted that the move to centralised control rooms means smaller teams are often overseeing more of the process. At the same time, increased complexity means operators are expected to make faster decisions using larger volumes of data.
Expected operational benefits for producers
Producers are under pressure to increase output, improve yields and reduce operating costs. ABB said that by helping control room teams detect and respond to changes earlier, the software can support safer, more efficient and more consistent operations.
The company said the tool can help facilities reduce unplanned shutdowns and off-specification production. It also aims to narrow differences in performance from one shift to the next by passing on the experience held in past operating history.
The product sits within the portfolio of ABB, which is headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland, and employs around 110,000 people worldwide. Its Automation business, which serves process, hybrid and maritime industries, has around 26,000 employees.
H2O Global News has previously reported on other control system software for the power and water sectors, including Emerson’s launch of the Ovation Curation Tool for control system digital twins.
Frequently asked questions
What is ABB Ability Augmented Operator?
It is an AI-enabled software suite from ABB that helps control room operators detect anomalies earlier, see how similar situations were previously handled in their facility and test a response before making a change.
Which industries is ABB Augmented Operator designed for?
ABB said the software has been developed for chemicals, oil and gas, power generation, water and other industries.
Does Augmented Operator make decisions automatically?
No. According to ABB, the software explains its reasoning from past data but leaves decision-making with the human operators.
How does Augmented Operator use plant data?
It analyses multiple pieces of data at the same time to detect subtle process changes, searches years of plant history for similar situations, forecasts critical process variables and simulates outcomes, presenting the findings in a single view.
Where was ABB Augmented Operator launched?
ABB launched the software as part of its participation at ADIPEC 2026 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
