In an unassuming workshop tucked away in an industrial park in Sandnes, near Stavanger, Lars Raunholt points out the key pieces of drillfloor equipment for the first automated robotic drilling rig — an electric roughneck, a multi-size elevator, a robotic pipe handler and an innovative drill floor robot. A fifth component — the robotic control system — ensures that the machines work together seamlessly.
All hands off deck
A Norwegian technology company is making good on the promise of unmanned drillfloor operations. Russell McCulley gets a first-hand look at the topsides equipment that is bringing the goal of fully automated drilling closer to reality, including a recently delivered all-electric drillfloor robot.
12 February 2016 1:00 GMT
Updated
12 February 2016 1:00 GMT