Post by SLB

“Drilling automation” has become a widely used term among professionals working in upstream oil and gas, but how do automation and autonomy differ in practice? Ziad Akkaoui, one of our well construction experts, explains how the lines between the two have become blurred — and how truly autonomous systems coordinate the entire drilling workflow, rather than optimizing individual tasks. ✔️ Subsurface targets flow directly from automated interpretation software ✔️ Real-time engineering models continuously monitor conditions and balance competing objectives ✔️ The driller remains in control, while processes are more coordinated, adaptive, and capable of balancing performance, well placement, and risk in real time. The result? Smoother operations and more predictable results. Learn more and explore Ziad’s insights about truly autonomous drilling here: https://ow.ly/t1rF50Z7I8w