The Value of Automating the Rig Floor By Robert Thibodeaux, P.E., Director, Casing Products & Services and Jeremy Angelle, Vice President, Products & Services, Frank’s International
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he introduction of new technology is informative and exciting, and it must prove value. While value can be measured in many ways, ultimately it is measured in currency. With recent pressures on commodity pricing and the strong desire to ensure worker health and safety, the oil and gas industry is increasingly receptive to new digital and robotic technologies that can reduce personnel on the rig floor and automate repetitive processes. Historically, oil and gas has lagged other industries in
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Energy Connection/Q2 2020
adopting new technologies. While other industries have advanced their capabilities to automate repetitive tasks, and increased efficiency, safety and reliability, certain aspects of the oil and gas industry such as tubular handling have been reluctant to follow suit. New technologies in the oil and gas industry have been adopted based on absolute need or regulatory requirement, instead of being part of an optimization or improvement strategy. Often, the reluctance to adopt new technologies has to do with not understanding the value that the technology delivers to the end customer. Operators are typically focused on the job at hand and have little time to learn the benefits
