The Expectation Maximization (EM) algorithm has been widely used for parameter estimation in data driven process identification. EM is an algorithm for maximum likelihood estimation of parameters and ensures convergence of the likelihood function. In presence of missing variables and in ill conditioned problems, EM algorithm greatly assists the design of more robust identification algorithms. Such situations frequently occur in industrial environments. Missing observations due to sensor malfunctions, multiple process operating conditions and unknown time delay information are some of the examples that can resort to the EM algorithm. In this article, a review on applications of the EM algorithm to address such issues is provided. Future applications of EM algorithm as well as some open problems are also provided. (C) 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.