Robotics have become an integral part of modern society. Today, we comfortably interact with a wide range of robotics that keep our homes clean, assist in manufacturing processes, assist in aerial photography, and delivery services to the extent that even state-of-the-art cruise ships now sport robotics as bartenders. These robotics offerings showcase the advancements in technology and how they have seamlessly integrated into our daily routines, making our lives more convenient through innovation.

As robotics continue to revolutionize various aspects of our lives, the integration of this technology in industrial sectors such as drilling rigs has become increasingly prevalent. Robots are sophisticated machines that not only enhance efficiency in our operations but also ensure the safety of workers in hazardous environments by limiting previously common interactions. This year Precision Drilling’s Alpha Technologies saw a new introduction- ALPHA ARMS (Automated Robotic Modular System). ALPHA ARMS is an industry leap forward in the digital mechatronics transformation of our ALPHA-enabled fleet. ALPHA ARMS hosts 3 modular robots (two on the rig floor and one in the derrick), an automated iron floor hand with handling equipment. These robots perform complex actions and tasks through semi or fully autonomous control system software.

History has shown that many attempts to automate the rig floor or at the very least start the process through equipment-smart mechanization have succeeded. ALPHA ARMS and its modular approach is revolutionizing the industry. The rig-building engineering landscape is also seeing new and innovative process-enhancing engineering designs where rigs are being built around robotics rather than installing robotics on current assets. The modular robotics systems come in a small footprint allowing engineering design to easily adapt these systems to new builds and current rigs without compromising rig floor safety and in tight restricted spaces. In our case, ALPHA ARMS is installed on a modified rig floor of a current rig. Leveraging on the ease of the modular design and advanced engineering the system allows the rig floor to perform all human tasks involved in operations without exposure to human interactions.

Programming the ALPHA ARMS workflows to consistently deliver operational processes required a state-of-the-art control system with the latest software the industry has to offer. These workflows are created and programmed into the control system by industry and in-house experts leveraging years of experience with our crews. The system is controlled through a Human Machine Interface in the driller's house on the rig floor. Given the in-house nature of programming workflows into the system, the driller (controller) has a greater sense of understanding every step in the process. Tasks within the workflows are sequenced to maximize efficiency through the mirroring of rig crews. The strength and skill required by a floor hand to handle tubular are also transferred to the logic of the control system where the robots are working to use the least amount of robot load while maximizing the efficiency of the task.

ALPHA ARMS along with ALPHA Automation and APPS intelligently host 97% of the rig floor workflows for well construction. Today rigs are handled by minimum crew sizes per shift. With the introduction of technology, thousands of man-hours can now be redistributed to focus and manage tasks that are otherwise cojoined with well-construction workflows. The overall well-being of the crew in the well construction process significantly increased. This allows for greater safety of the rig crews without the need to increase rig crew sizes. This new technology also allows people to progress in their professional careers. The technology requires the development and enhancement of software where our in-house crews are further trained to develop new skill sets for this ever-changing industry.

 Precision Drilling is in the early days of its first deployment and is excited to see the continued growth of ALPHA ARMS. Since its implementation, ALPHA ARMS has handled 75,000 meters of tubular over operations of drilling, tripping & running casing. Through our excellent partnerships and support from our rig Crews, customers, and OEM we have realized the right team to continue this success. Learn more about Precision Drillings Alpha Suite of Technologies here.

Company Description

Precision is a leading provider of safe and environmentally responsible High Performance, High Value services to the energy industry, offering customers access to an extensive fleet of Super Series drilling rigs. Precision has commercialized an industry-leading digital technology portfolio known as “Alpha™” that utilizes advanced automation software and analytics to generate efficient, predictable, and repeatable results for energy customers. Additionally, Precision offers well service rigs, camps and rental equipment all backed by a comprehensive mix of technical support services and skilled, experienced personnel.