EP 45: Automating Oil Rigs: Robots vs. Roughnecks

Andrew Richard, President and Co-Founder of Automated Rig Technologies, and Ronald Townsend, President of Automated Completions Technologies Inc., discuss how automation is transforming the oilfield industry. They explore how new technologies are revolutionizing well servicing and completions, enhancing safety and efficiency, and reducing human error. The conversation highlights the shift from outdated practices to innovative solutions like the CD Rod Tong, which are making the industry more efficient and creating better work environments. Both Andrew and Ronald share their expertise on the role of AI and automation in shaping the future of the oil and gas sector.Join the conversation shaping the future of energy.Collide is the community where oil & gas professionals connect, share insights, and solve real-world problems together. No noise. No fluff. Just the discussions that move our industry forward.Apply today at collide.io00:00 - Intro01:16 - Kroger Dynamic Pricing Test02:14 - Overview of Automated Rig Technologies04:34 - Workover Rigs Evolution09:51 - Securing R&D Funding from Operators20:10 - Introduction to Rival Downhole20:25 - Rival Downhole Technologies Explained21:20 - Joint Pipe Injector (JPI) Market Fit23:55 - Automation's Impact on Job Creation28:05 - Joint Pipe Injector (JPI) Background32:00 - Data Insights from JPI34:00 - CD Tong Discussion39:30 - Tech and Operator Friction42:46 - Importance of Data in Operations44:29 - Positive Feedback in Technology46:20 - Reducing Operator Input by 97%48:48 - Automation on Well Sites52:30 - SCADA and IoT Integration56:26 - Role of Software Companies59:30 - NFTs in Wellbore Management1:03:26 - Replacing Roughneck Roles1:05:28 - War Story: Bonnet Bolts Issue1:07:10 - Finding Automated Rig Technologieshttps://twitter.com/collide_iohttps://www.tiktok.com/@collide.iohttps://www.facebook.com/collide.iohttps://www.instagram.com/collide.iohttps://www.youtube.com/@collide_iohttps://bsky.app/profile/digitalwildcatters.bsky.socialhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/collide-digital-wildcatters