The entrance to oilfield service provider SLB's office in Houston, Texas, showing the former Schlumberger's new name and logo, is seen in this handout image taken June 2023.
According to SLB, Tela agents are capable of working both collaboratively with human operators and independently, performing tasks such as interpreting well logs, predicting drilling challenges, and optimizing equipment performance. The company said the new system aims to improve productivity across energy operations while reducing manual workload and operational risks.
Rakesh Jaggi, SLB’s president of Digital & Integration, said: “We’ve been very successful with this (AI) business for the last many years, and absolutely, digital will be an integral part of the success of SLB for many decades to come.” He added: “Today, the industry faces a dual challenge: a leaner workforce and increased technical complexity, and Tela can address both.”
The introduction of Tela comes at a time when many energy producers are adjusting their strategies in response to fluctuating oil prices and evolving market conditions. Recent declines in global crude oil prices have prompted energy companies to cut costs and streamline operations, with several announcing workforce reductions this year. Against this backdrop, automation and digital solutions have become increasingly important in maintaining operational efficiency and competitiveness.
SLB, formerly known as Schlumberger, has seen strong growth in its digital business, which has become a key driver of overall company performance. The digital division’s revenue rose 11% in the third quarter compared with the previous quarter, reflecting growing demand for advanced software and data-driven tools in the energy sector. The company began reporting its digital business as a separate division last quarter and forecast double-digit annual sales growth for the segment.
The development of Tela marks another step in SLB’s strategy to expand its digital offerings and support the energy industry’s transition toward smarter, more automated systems. By embedding artificial intelligence capabilities into its platforms, SLB aims to help clients optimize exploration, production, and maintenance activities while achieving cost savings and improved operational reliability.
Following the announcement, shares of SLB rose 2.8% to $37.10 on Monday, supported by investor confidence in the company’s continued focus on digital transformation. SLB said Tela will play a central role in advancing its long-term vision of combining artificial intelligence, automation, and data analytics to strengthen performance across the global energy value chain.
