Introduction: A New Wave of AI Innovation Artificial Intelligence (AI) isn’t just evolving—it’s exploding into new sectors and business models globally. From energy and contact centres to lighting and smart infrastructure, companies are launching powerful AI products this year that promise to reshape how we live and work. Here’s a look at what’s been launched, why it matters, and the capabilities behind the headlines. 1. SLB’s “Tela” – AI for the Energy Sector What was launched? Energy-tech giant SLB unveiled “Tela”, a new AI tool designed to automate complex workflows and processes for energy companies. Reuters Why did they launch it? As energy firms face rising complexity and cost pressures, SLB introduced Tela to streamline operations, reduce manual overhead, and gain competitive advantage in digital sales and service. Key Capabilities: Conversational interface enabling workers to interact with AI via natural language rather than complex systems. Embedded within SLB’s portfolio of applications for seamless integration. Focus on automating process-intensive tasks in exploration, production and maintenance. Why it matters: It signals that AI is moving beyond tech firms into heavy-industry sectors, enabling transformation in traditionally slow-moving domains. 2. RingCentral “RingWEM” – AI for Workforce Engagement What was launched? RingCentral launched RingWEM, an AI-powered suite for workforce engagement management built into its cloud contact-centre solutions. CX Today Why did they launch it? With remote and hybrid work models here to stay, RingCentral needed to help organisations optimise agent performance, customer satisfaction and operational efficiency at scale. Key Capabilities: AI-driven agent performance analytics and insights. Tools to enhance customer-experience (CX) with intelligent recommendation and automation. Operational efficiency features for workforce management, scheduling and task prioritisation. Why it matters: It shows how AI is becoming foundational in supporting distributed workforces and customer-facing operations, not just in niche tech pockets. 3. Signify’s AI-Driven Smart Lighting – AI for Infrastructure & Sustainability What was launched? Signify is showcasing its AI-Driven Smart Lighting solutions and sustainable lighting designs at the China International Import Expo (CIIE). City News Service Why did they launch it? The push toward smart cities and sustainable infrastructure is real. Signify’s launch aims to tap into growing demand for connected lighting systems that are efficient, adaptive and data-driven. Key Capabilities: Lighting systems that use AI to adapt brightness, colour and energy usage based on environment and occupancy. Integration with IoT sensors and building management systems for smarter control and analytics. Focus on wellness and sustainability – lighting that responds to human patterns and optimises energy consumption. Why it matters: It highlights how AI is permeating everyday infrastructure and environmental technology—and not just software or digital services. 4. Emerging Trends & What to Watch Sector penetration accelerating: From energy to lighting to workforce management, AI is now entering domains beyond traditional tech. Conversational interfaces and low-code tools: Natural language interactions and embedded AI are becoming standard features, lowering the barrier to adoption. Sustainability & wellness driven by AI: Smart infrastructure and health-adjacent systems (like lighting, health tracking) are becoming AI-powered—reflecting broader societal themes. Caution and regulation rising: As companies launch more advanced AI tools, issues around data-privacy, bias and deployment risk are becoming more central in headlines and policy. For example, some products are now being flagged as “high risk” by regulators. Financial Times Conclusion: The AI Race Is Global & Multi-Dimensional From SLB’s energy workflows to RingCentral’s workforce suite and Signify’s smart infrastructure, the AI landscape in 2025 is not just evolving—it is expanding. These launches illustrate how AI is shifting from experimental to operational and entering new arenas at pace. For organisations and individuals alike, staying aware of these developments isn’t just about tech—it’s about competitiveness, relevance and readiness for a changing world.
