Artificial Intelligence and Automation in Chemical Engineering

Dear Colleagues,

The field of chemical engineering is rapidly evolving, driven by the pressing need to enhance process efficiency, safety, and sustainability. Artificial intelligence (AI) technologies and advanced automation tools are at the forefront of this evolution. By integrating novel computational techniques such as machine learning, data-driven modeling, and intelligent process control, chemical engineers can improve system performance, reduce environmental impact, and ensure safer operating conditions. We also see tremendous potential in digital twins, robotics, and autonomous plant operations—innovations that promise to reshape the design, monitoring, and management of chemical processes. This collection of papers will appeal to a broad spectrum of researchers and practitioners in areas such as process systems engineering, control systems, digital transformation, and industrial automation. Our aim is to foster dialogue and collaboration among experts from academia and industry, uniting them in efforts to develop more sustainable, efficient, and resilient chemical engineering practices. We believe that the integration of AI and automation will help address longstanding challenges—ranging from real-time monitoring to large-scale production—and promote advancements in safety, adaptability, and resource utilization. We look forward to your contributions, which will play a pivotal role in guiding the future of chemical engineering toward more intelligent and automated approaches.

Dr. Dewei Wang
Dr. Yucheng Fu
Topic Editors