ExxonMobil has recently announced that it will increase the number of FlexRobotics systems to nine in order to improve the efficiency and safety of its drilling operations. This step will be taken in collaboration with Helmerich & Payne over the next 12 months.
Details of the New Plan
With the addition of seven new FlexRobotics systems to the two existing systems currently in operation, the total number of drilling automation systems will reach nine. These systems are specifically designed to reduce repetitive activities at the drilling rig, thereby minimizing risks associated with high-risk activities for personnel.
Benefits of Automation
The FlexRobotics technology is part of a broader portfolio of drilling automation from Helmerich & Payne that helps increase accuracy and consistency in drilling operations. Trey Adams, President and CEO of Helmerich & Payne, stated, "The expansion of FlexRobotics technology demonstrates the value of automation in modern drilling operations. We are pleased to expand our collaboration with ExxonMobil and hope this technology will be utilized in their operations."
ExxonMobil also emphasized that this expansion is based on lessons learned from initial deployments and contributes to the company's broader efforts to increase the use of advanced technologies in drilling operations.
ExxonMobil's Comments
Bart Cahir, Senior Vice President of ExxonMobil's unconventional division, stated, "We are focused on expanding the use of technologies that make our operations safer, more efficient, and more consistent. The use of FlexRobotics is based on our initial experiences and serves as an example of how automation can be leveraged to improve drilling performance."
Overall, this collaboration and the expansion of drilling automation systems reflect the growing trend of incorporating innovative technologies in the drilling industry. However, Helmerich & Payne has not provided further details about the locations of the rigs where the new systems will be added or the financial terms of this collaboration.
