ExxonMobil expands agreements to automate over half of unconventional drilling fleet by end-2028
XOM•ExxonMobil expanded agreements to accelerate drilling automation in the Permian Basin, targeting automation across more than half its unconventional fleet by year-end 2028. The rollout supports a goal of about 2.5 million oil-equivalent barrels per day of Permian production by 2030; automated rigs could eliminate roughly one-third of high-consequence drilling incidents, with staffing expected to remain at similar levels.
1. Automation targets
ExxonMobil expanded agreements to accelerate drilling automation in the Permian Basin, targeting more than half of its unconventional fleet by year-end 2028. The rollout supports a goal to increase Permian production to approximately 2.5 million oil-equivalent barrels per day by 2030.
2. Safety and staffing
Automated rigs could eliminate roughly one-third of high-consequence drilling incidents, while staffing is expected to remain at similar levels.
