The Drilling Systems Automation Technical Section (DSATS) of SPE works to facilitate the implementation of measurements, data and control systems to help automate certain aspects of drilling for safer and more efficient operations.  As our industry enters the environment of big data, this touches other technical sections involved with the digitization of the oilfield, especially in the area of data quality and interoperability.  

Drillbotics^® is one program run by DSATS that leads university students to conduct research in these areas, using a laboratory scale rig that must be designed and built by the students.  This presentation outlines the international competition’s engineering achievements and novel solutions, including this year’s challenge to directionally drill hands-free.