SK Innovation to Showcase Manufacturing AI and Predictive Maintenance at WAVE 2026

SK Innovation’s Ulsan Complex will showcase how artificial intelligence is being applied across refining and petrochemical operations at WAVE 2026, with technologies covering production optimisation, predictive maintenance, automated inspection and workplace safety.

The exhibition will take place from September 10–12 at the Ulsan Exhibition & Convention Center, where SK plans to demonstrate an AI value chain connecting its data-centre capabilities with real manufacturing operations.

‘Dual Brain’ Combines AI With Engineering Expertise

At the centre of SK’s showcase will be its Dual Brain system, which combines AI-based analysis with the experience of engineers working at Ulsan CLX.

The approach is designed to use AI as a decision-support tool rather than replace plant expertise, bringing together data analysis with decades of operational knowledge from refining and petrochemical facilities.

SK said the system is intended to improve both productivity and safety across manufacturing operations.

AI Optimises Refinery Operations

Visitors will be able to see how AI is being used to optimise production conditions inside a refinery.

The system analyses multiple process variables and recommends operating conditions designed to improve plant performance.

At the exhibition, users will be able to adjust refinery operating conditions and observe how AI identifies the most suitable settings.

The demonstration highlights how manufacturing AI is moving into process industries where operational decisions depend on large volumes of continuously changing plant data.

Predictive Maintenance Targets Equipment Failures

Predictive maintenance will be another major part of the showcase.

SK will demonstrate AI technologies designed to predict equipment failures, ageing and remaining asset life, helping maintenance teams identify issues before they develop into larger operational problems.

The company is also introducing Physical AI technologies for equipment inspection, including:

• Crawler robots
• Drones
• Robot dogs

These systems can perform automated inspections in areas that may be difficult, repetitive or hazardous for workers to access.

Video AI Strengthens Plant Safety

Ulsan CLX will also demonstrate an AI-enabled safety management system combining its internally developed SHEild real-time video monitoring platform with video analytics.

The system continuously monitors the Ulsan industrial complex, which covers approximately 2.5 million pyeong, and analyses video feeds for abnormal situations that may require an on-site response.

The technology forms part of SK’s wider application of AI across safety, health and environmental management.

Data Centre Connects With Manufacturing AI

SK’s pavilion will begin with a model of the SK AI Data Center currently under construction in Yongyeon-dong, Ulsan.

From there, the exhibition will move into demonstrations of how those AI capabilities can be applied directly at manufacturing sites.

The setup is designed to illustrate a complete AI value chain linking computing infrastructure with production operations.

This connection is becoming increasingly important as manufacturers look to convert expanding AI computing capacity into practical improvements in plant performance.

Engineers Develop Their Own AI Applications

SK is also encouraging engineers at Ulsan CLX to develop AI tools for their own work.

Initiatives including “one person, one task” and “AI Day” have been introduced to increase employee participation in AI adoption and identify operational processes where the technology can provide practical value.

AI startups working with Ulsan CLX will also participate at WAVE 2026, showing how SK is combining internal engineering expertise with external technology development.

WAVE 2026 Puts Manufacturing AI in Focus

The exhibition will be accompanied by the 2026 Ulsan Forum on September 11, where representatives from industry, academia and government will discuss manufacturing AI transformation, Physical AI and strategies for introducing AI across regional industries.

For SK Innovation, WAVE 2026 provides an opportunity to show how AI is moving beyond data centres and software platforms into day-to-day industrial operations.

Its demonstrations across production optimisation, predictive maintenance, robotics and safety monitoring show how manufacturing AI is increasingly being integrated into the operation of complex industrial facilities.