Exxon Turns to Robotic Rigs for Safe and Efficient Drilling
ExxonMobil is automating its drilling rigs in the Permian Basin to improve safety and efficiency. The company plans to standardize automated systems across half of its fleet by 2028, with a target of achieving 2.5 million barrels of oil equivalent per day by 2030.
The automation program uses robotic arms to position drill pipes and connect them to the drill string, allowing drilling to proceed deeper into the wellbore. This reduces the risk of accidents on the rig floor, where a third of significant injuries historically occur.
Exxon's senior vice president of unconventionals, Bart Cahir, emphasized that automation is not just about safety but also about increasing productivity. He noted that removing workers from restricted zones cuts variability in operations and translates into more feet drilled per day.