Evaluating the impact of integrating fourth industrial revolution (4IR) technologies in maintenance of pressure vessels and pipelines in the petrochemical industry

This study evaluates the impact of integrating Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) technologies into maintenance management for pressure vessels and pipelines in the petrochemical industry. Using a Fuzzy TOPSIS-CRITIC multi-criteria approach, it classifies 4IR technologies based on their effectiveness in Inspection, Repair, and Service (IRS) activities and their contributions to Economic, Safety, and People welfare (ESP) dimensions. The CRITIC method determines objective weights, revealing that safety and economic factors are prioritized, followed by people welfare, emphasizing operational integrity and long-term economic benefits. Inspection, repair, and service are weighted for IRS activities, highlighting the importance of real-time monitoring and diagnostics. Smart Sensors and Internet of Things (IoT) emerge as the most impactful technologies, with Smart Sensors excelling in real-time diagnostics and IoT enabling interconnected systems. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Autonomous Robots perform well in economic and safety dimensions but show lower impacts on people welfare, revealing an imbalance in the ESP framework. Cloud Computing and Augmented Reality show limited overall benefits but hold potential for data accessibility and interactive repair processes. Sensitivity analysis, with a±20% adjustment in criteria weights, confirms the robustness of the results, with Smart Sensors and IoT consistently ranking highest. The study also notes negative implications of robotics and AI on jobs, highlighting the need for workforce strategies. These insights guide managers, engineers, inspectors, and stakeholders in integrating 4IR technologies into maintenance strategies, promoting safety, economic efficiency, and workforce well-being.