Exxon automates Permian drilling rigs

ExxonMobil is expanding its use of automated drilling rigs in the United States — Permian Basin, aiming to transition half of its fleet to robotic automation by 2028. The company currently operates more than 30 rigs in the basin, with two already automated. The first automated rig, supplied by Helmerich & Payne, drilled two miles horizontally in just over six days, the third-fastest in Exxon's history. The automation removes workers from high-risk areas on the rig floor, improving safety and allowing crews to focus on planning, which increases drilling efficiency. Exxon plans to grow Permian production by almost 40% to 2.5 million barrels of oil equivalent per day by 2030, contrasting with Chevron's strategy of holding production steady at about 1 million boepd. Exxon is also developing over 40 technologies to double oil recovery from the Permian by the early 2030s.