Proof of Value in Automating the Drill Floor

It is commonly known that the drilling sector of the oil and gas industry has lagged other batch and process industries such as the automotive and aerospace industries in terms of adopting new technologies. Historically, the oil and gas industry has been risk-adverse to deploying new technologies typically using the mindset "If isn’t broken, do not fix it". Technologies that have made it through commercialization have typically centered around solving a problem or accomplishing something that has not been done before, such as the ability to install heavier tubular strings or the ability to complete a well in an environment not previously accomplishable. However, lower commodity pricing is forcing the industry to become more cost-effective at drilling all types wells such that the industry can remain profitable in the current environment. This has created a technology trend to drill wells at a lower cost, which has put a focus on process improvement and process optimization, something not heavily focused on previously. Borrowing off other industries, an accelerated rate of adopting new technologies is being realized, especially digital and robotic technologies that can remove personnel from the rig floor and automate processes that are repetitive in nature. The drill floor is naturally seen as an area where the repetitious nature of pipe handling, installation, and removal can be automated for safety and efficiency. Although technologies do currently exist to mechanize the process, further automation of the process without compromising the functions required at well center has been difficult to be viewed as value added and profitable. Based on experience and research on these operations, proof of value can be demonstrated to show what makes sense in terms of automating the drill floor.