Generative AI and Process Systems Engineering: The Next Frontier
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Abstract (arXiv)
This article explores how emerging generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) models, such as large language models (LLMs), can enhance solution methodologies within process systems engineering (PSE). These cutting-edge GenAI models, particularly foundation models (FMs), which are pre-trained on extensive, general-purpose datasets, offer versatile adaptability for a broad range of tasks, including responding to queries, image generation, and complex decision-making. Given the close relationship between advancements in PSE and developments in computing and systems technologies, exploring the synergy between GenAI and PSE is essential. We begin our discussion with a compact overview of both classic and emerging GenAI models, including FMs, and then dive into their applications within key PSE domains: synthesis and design, optimization and integration, and process monitoring and control. In each domain, we explore how GenAI models could potentially advance PSE methodologies, providing insights and prospects for each area. Furthermore, the article identifies and discusses potential challenges in fully leveraging GenAI within PSE, including multiscale modeling, data requirements, evaluation metrics and benchmarks, and trust and safety, thereby deepening the discourse on effective GenAI integration into systems analysis, design, optimization, operations, monitoring, and control. This paper provides a guide for future research focused on the applications of emerging GenAI in PSE.
Key facts. Cited by 9 papers in the map (data through 14 Oct 2026). Builds on 74 of its 282 references that are in the map. First posted on arXiv 15 Feb 2024.
Builds on
74 of 282 references.
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Citing papers per year: 2024: 4; 2025: 4; 2026: 1.
9 papers.
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- 2024The Systems Engineering Approach in Times of Large Language Modelscited by 1
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- 2026Atoms to Processes: The Role of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in Chemical Engineering1 Oct 2026
- 2025Multi-agent systems for chemical engineering: A review and perspective11 Aug 2025
- 2025Federated Learning from Molecules to Processes: A Perspective23 Jun 2025
- 2025Reinforcement Learning-Driven Plant-Wide Refinery Planning Using Model Decomposition11 Apr 2025
- 2025CAPRAG: A Large Language Model Solution for Customer Service and Automatic Reporting using Vector and Graph Retrieval-Augmented Generation23 Jan 2025
- 2024The Evolution and Future Perspectives of Artificial Intelligence Generated Content2 Dec 2024
- 2024The Systems Engineering Approach in Times of Large Language Models13 Nov 2024
- 2024Quo Vadis ChatGPT? From Large Language Models to Large Knowledge Models29 May 2024
- 2024Towards Foundation Model for Chemical Reactor Modeling: Meta-Learning with Physics-Informed Adaptation20 May 2024