• Emerson Introduces AI-Powered Virtual Advisor to Support Power Utilities

    Emerson sees AI as a practical way to help utilities respond with greater agility, by embedding tools that offer real-time insights and operational support directly within control systems.
    July 17, 2025
    2 min read
    Emerson
    monitors in a control center

    A new generative AI tool developed by Emerson is promising to bring faster insights and improved operational decision-making to utilities managing power and water systems. The company has unveiled the Ovation AI-enabled Virtual Advisor, a GenAI assistant designed specifically to integrate within an automation platform built for the needs of the energy sector.

    Part of Emerson’s Ovation 4.0 Automation Platform, the AI-enabled Virtual Advisor uses localized generative AI to help utility operators troubleshoot issues, access system documentation, anticipate maintenance needs, and identify opportunities for efficiency — all through natural language prompts.

    Emerson sees AI as a practical way to help utilities respond with greater agility, by embedding tools that offer real-time insights and operational support directly within control systems.

    The Virtual Advisor operates using secure, localized AI models trained on Emerson’s domain expertise as well as customer-specific information. These models can be further refined with user feedback and utility data to ensure relevance and accuracy. Emerson says the tool is designed to complement existing workflows — not replace human decision-making — while helping automate routine tasks and surface insights that may otherwise go unnoticed.

    The Virtual Advisor is available for both new automation deployments and upgrades of existing Ovation systems.