Autonomous Lift Control Comes of Age

ROAM AI and Ambyint push autonomous ESP optimization into North America’s heavy oil basins

25 Feb 2026

Artificial intelligence is moving from back-office analysis to operational control in the oil industry, as ROAM AI and Ambyint expand the use of automated electric submersible pump optimisation across North America’s heavy oil basins.

The partnership aims to shift artificial lift systems from passive monitoring to autonomous adjustment. Instead of relying on engineers to intervene when production falls, the companies say their platform analyses live well data and automatically adjusts pump performance throughout the day.

Electric submersible pumps, or ESPs, are widely used to lift crude in mature and heavy oil fields. In such environments, changing pressures and fluid conditions can reduce efficiency and increase mechanical wear. Minor deviations can go unnoticed until output declines become measurable.

ROAM AI’s system continuously tracks operating parameters and modifies pump speeds to stabilise production and limit stress on equipment. By embedding machine learning models directly into field operations, the companies say they can convert data insights into immediate mechanical adjustments rather than dashboard alerts.

The agreement also reflects broader pressures facing upstream operators. Many manage large portfolios of ageing wells while seeking to improve returns without raising capital spending. Artificial lift systems account for a significant share of operating costs in mature basins, making incremental efficiency gains financially meaningful when applied across hundreds of wells.

For Ambyint, the alliance extends its production optimisation offering. For ROAM AI, it provides wider market access as producers intensify efforts to cut costs and improve reliability.

Industry analysts note that automation can support modest production gains and reduced downtime, but its effectiveness depends on reliable data flows and strong cybersecurity safeguards. Operators must also ensure that algorithms adapt to shifting reservoir conditions over time.

Digital adoption in upstream oil and gas has accelerated in recent years, driven by tighter margins and investor demands for capital discipline. As producers focus on operational resilience, autonomous control of artificial lift systems is moving beyond pilot projects towards broader deployment across heavy oil assets.