Houston-based Nabors Industries recently launched a robotic drilling rig in Midland County. Travis Purvis, senior vice president, told Midland Reporter Telegram and KOSA-TV in Odessa last month that the new PACE R801 rig is the industry’s first automated land drilling rig using technology optimized for drilling automation, including robotic pipe handler. Purvis said there is a driller in a control room operating the rig and other crew members who maintain engines and pumps and ensure that necessary materials are available. Nabors said the rig’s ground handling system “is designed to move activity off the rig floor for safer, man-less operation.” Formed in 1968, Nabors reportedly owns the largest land drilling fleet in the world with about 400 rigs in more than 20 countries – including about 40 in the region.