Nabors Industries said Nov. 16 it has launched its Canrig red zone robotics (RZR) rig floor module, a modular rig upgrade that automates routine drilling activities. Nabors retrofitted an existing rig with RZR and successfully drilled multiple horizontal wells for ExxonMobil subsidiary XTO Energy in Permian Basin.
In 2021 Nabors and Exxon proved fully automated land drilling is possible with Nabors’ newbuild R801 robotic drilling rig. Now the companies have advanced to the next phase of their collaboration to validate the use of modular rig retrofits. Red zones traditionally have been hazardous workspaces in the oil and gas industry. RZR is electric-powered – allowing precision control and digital workflows. Nabors said it enables hands-free pipe handling and eliminates the need for a crew member on the floor and in the derrick. Anthony Petrello, chairman, president and CEO, said, “R801 proved fully-automated land drilling is possible. Now RZR has demonstrated those same levels of automation can be scaled across existing assets at a fraction of the cost of a newbuild.”