Petrobras ups technology and AI after spending US$250mn in 1Q26
Petrobras ups technology and AI after spending US$250mn in 1Q26
Publish Date: 2026-05-13 17:33:00
Source Domain: www.bnamericas.com
Petrobras has been increasing its investments in technology, artificial intelligence (AI), data and digitalization as part of its strategy to raise operational efficiency, accelerate reservoir analysis and strengthen the safety and integrity of pre-salt assets.
The company’s spending on technological research and development reached US$250 million (mn) in the first quarter of 2026, an increase of 23.8% compared to the US$202mn recorded in the same period of the previous year.
Of the total invested in 1Q26, US$198mn were allocated to the exploration and production (E&P) area, compared to US$162mn in 1Q25, reflecting the priority given by the state-owned company to technological advancement applied to offshore operations and to the development of new reserves.
The movement is taking place in parallel with the expansion of supercomputing, generative AI, digital twins, industrial automation and data infrastructure projects, carried out in partnership with companies such as Schneider Electric, Hitachi Vantara, Atos Bull, Deloitte, CESAR, COPPE/UFRJ and Elea Data Centers, among others.
AI and supercomputing
In recent years, Petrobras has intensified the integrated use of supercomputers, artificial intelligence and advanced simulation models to accelerate geological analyses and optimize reservoir management.
One of the technologies considered strategic by the company is 4D seismic, used in fields in production to map the movement of fluids – oil, gas, and water – over time.
While 3D seismic generates detailed images of the geological structure before the start of production, 4D seismic adds the time dimension, making it possible to identify new drainage and reserve incorporation opportunities.
According to the company, the combination of seismic data, advanced reservoir models, AI, and supercomputing has reduced analytical processes that previously took months to much shorter periods, increasing accuracy in decision-making and production planning.
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