Russia Deploys AI-Powered Software to Locate Oil and Gas Reserves

A new seismic data analysis tool triples the accuracy of subsurface modeling and automates key steps in exploration.

Researchers in Russia have developed a next-generation software platform that analyzes 3D seismic data from oil and gas fields using machine learning. The technology, developed at Novosibirsk State University, enables faster, more accurate geological modeling and helps pinpoint subsurface reserves, TASS reports.

Seismic surveys work by sending waves deep into the Earth and measuring their echoes. This reflected data is used to generate volumetric models of underground structures. Traditionally, geophysicists would manually adjust parameters to build those models. Now, the new system does it autonomously — with a high degree of precision.

Initial tests show the software can triple the accuracy of reservoir predictions. The system identifies geological formations and flags areas with high potential for hydrocarbon deposits.

Russia is rapidly adopting new digital tools across industrial sectors. In manufacturing, for example, QR-code-based tracking systems are now common. These codes store detailed information about products — from material type and batch number to factory ID and legal ownership. The same technology is being deployed in industries like metallurgy, pharmaceuticals, and retail.