What is Exxon's goal for automating its drilling rigs in the Permian Basin, and why is it doing so?

Exxon aims to transition half of its more than 30 drilling rigs in the Permian Basin to automated rigs by 2028 to reduce the need for workers to perform dangerous tasks on the rig floor—where about a third of significant injuries occur—and to increase efficiency and speed of drilling. As stated by senior vice president Bart Cahir, removing people from high-risk 'Red Zones' eliminates that injury risk while enabling workers to focus on planning and other operations, boosting overall productivity.

How does Exxon's automated drilling technology improve safety and efficiency compared to traditional methods?

Exxon's automated rigs use robotic arms to position and connect heavy steel drill pipes—tasks that traditionally required human overseers on the hazardous rig floor—thereby eliminating a major source of injury; employees instead monitor and direct operations remotely or from safer locations, communicate with Houston-based central teams for precise robotic movements, and achieve greater consistency and faster drilling rates, such as one rig completing a two-mile horizontal well in just over six days—the third fastest in Exxon's history.

Exxon Turns to Automated Drilling in Permian to Boost Oil Output

Aug 24, 2026

ExxonMobil plans to automate half its Permian Basin rig fleet by 2028 to enhance safety and efficiency, aiming to increase production to 2.5 million barrels per day by 2030.

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