Beyond efficiency gains, it is expected that AI will accelerate product development through simulation and virtual testing using digital twins (digital replicas of blending plants and laboratory systems) allowing companies to optimise formulations and predict performance without costly physical trials.
Interaction with Industry 4.0 technology could help with process automation across supply chains and accelerated product development and innovation.
But, to turn this vision into a reality, industry voices are calling for more from their AI vendors: seamless integration, data verification, customisation for sector-specific needs, and robust technical support by professionals with the right skillset.
The road ahead: What will define success? AI’s role in the lubricants industry
The lubricants industry is only just beginning on its AI journey. Despite 59% of respondents saying that they were currently using AI in some capacity, only 15% said that they had seen any measurable ROI from its adoption.
Success will depend on four key areas. These are leadership and talent investment, strategic coordination, responsible deployment, and clear ROI.
Have you seen measurable ROI from AI adoption?
To some extent, what AI will be is dependent on what you see it as being capable of. This means bridging the gap not just between intent and execution, but between capacity and perception.
As Douglas Adams said about the invention of the computer, “First we thought the PC was a calculator. Then we found out how to turn numbers into letters with ASCII — and we thought it was a typewriter. Then we discovered graphics, and we thought it was a television. With the World Wide Web, we’ve realised it’s a brochure.”
If you see AI as being an upgraded search engine, then that’s what you’ll get, but if you want it to be more then you need to think bigger.
ROI may be the most attractive area to focus on, as without provable returns on use, it will be hard to justify investment. A key question is what cost AI’s transformational possibilities will come at. If it is too high a price, then AI will not make any real inroads into the lubricants industry.
However, before you get to ROI, you need to bring your people and your processes along with you. The first step to focus on is change management. If you fumble the transition to integrating AI, then any chance of proving ROI becomes that much harder.
LUBE MAGAZINE AR TIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE DECEMBER 2025 7
AI may not yet be the silver bullet, but for lubricant manufacturers willing to lead with imagination, it could become a cornerstone of competitive advantage.
klinegroup.com
The industry perspective on AI
The next decade will determine whether AI becomes a defining force for competitiveness, innovation, and workforce transformation or remains a missed opportunity.
The responses to the survey reveal guarded optimism rather than uniform enthusiasm. One response envisioned AI as a catalyst for “huge changes” in operations and customer engagement. But aside from this small section of fervent believers, AI is seen as promising but not yet proven. Practical barriers, such as skills gaps, cost, trust, are what people are focusing on rather that temper ambition. As one respondent noted, “For now, it’s hype… an upgraded search function.”
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