EP 46: Automating Oil Rigs: Robots vs. Roughnecks

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Dive deep into the world of oilfield tech innovation in this episode of the Energy Bytes Podcast, as we explore how automation is revolutionizing the industry at the edge. Discover how Andrew Richard, President and Co-Founder of Automated Rig Technologies, and Ronald Townsend, President of Automated Completions Technologies Inc., are pioneering cutting-edge solutions to transform well servicing and completions. 

Key Takeaways: Learn about the evolution of outdated technologies, the role of AI and automation in enhancing safety and efficiency, and the potential for creating more appealing work environments in the oil and gas sector.

The Backstory: With roots in drilling, both companies are now leading the charge in automating well completions, aiming to reduce human error and increase efficiency with innovative tools like the CD Rod Tong.

Guest Bio: Andrew Richard is a visionary in oilfield automation, co-founding Automated Rig Technologies to push the boundaries of what's possible. Ronald Townsend, with his leadership at Automated Completions, is driving the adoption of next-gen tech in the U.S. energy markets.

00:00 - Intro
01:16 - Kroger Dynamic Pricing Test
02:14 - Overview of Automated Rig Technologies
04:34 - Workover Rigs Evolution
09:51 - Securing R&D Funding from Operators
20:10 - Introduction to Rival Downhole
20:25 - Rival Downhole Technologies Explained
21:20 - Joint Pipe Injector (JPI) Market Fit
23:55 - Automation's Impact on Job Creation
28:05 - Joint Pipe Injector (JPI) Background
32:00 - Data Insights from JPI
34:00 - CD Tong Discussion
39:30 - Tech and Operator Friction
42:46 - Importance of Data in Operations
44:29 - Positive Feedback in Technology
46:20 - Reducing Operator Input by 97%
48:48 - Automation on Well Sites
52:30 - SCADA and IoT Integration
56:26 - Role of Software Companies
59:30 - NFTs in Wellbore Management
1:03:26 - Replacing Roughneck Roles
1:05:28 - War Story: Bonnet Bolts Issue
1:07:10 - Finding Automated Rig Technologies

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Creators and Guests

Bobby Neelon
Host
Bobby Neelon
Husband, Father, Baseball, Upstream Oil and Gas, R, Python, JS, SQL, Cloud Computing
John Kalfayan
Host
John Kalfayan
Raddad, energy tech, crypto, data, sports, cars
EP 46: Automating Oil Rigs: Robots vs. Roughnecks