SLB adds AI-driven geosteering to its autonomous drilling solutions to achieve more efficient and productive wells

Rhea-AI Summary

SLB has introduced Neuro autonomous geosteering, an AI-powered drilling technology that automatically guides drill bits through the most productive reservoir layers. The system dynamically interprets real-time subsurface data and makes autonomous decisions, eliminating the need for manual interpretation by geologists.

The technology builds upon SLB's existing Neuro autonomous directional drilling system, adding high-fidelity downhole measurements for optimal well placement. In a successful deployment in Ecuador for Shaya Ecuador S.A., the system executed 25 autonomous trajectory changes across a 2,392-foot lateral section, resulting in one of the country's best-producing wells.

Positive

• Introduction of innovative AI-driven drilling technology that improves well productivity
• Successful deployment in Ecuador resulting in one of the country's best-producing wells
• Technology reduces operational emissions and optimizes field development
• System automates complex processes, reducing human intervention and improving efficiency

Negative

• None.

Insights

Tech Expert

The introduction of Neuro autonomous geosteering represents a significant technological leap in drilling automation. By leveraging AI to interpret real-time subsurface data and autonomously adjust drilling trajectories, this system could dramatically improve well productivity and operational efficiency. The technology's ability to make decisions in seconds, compared to traditional manual interpretation methods, is particularly noteworthy.

The successful implementation in Ecuador, resulting in one of the country's best-producing wells, validates the technology's potential. This system's integration with existing Neuro autonomous directional drilling capabilities creates a comprehensive automated drilling solution that could set new industry standards for precision and efficiency in well placement.

The reduction in human intervention could lead to more consistent results across operations while potentially lowering operational costs and reducing drilling-related emissions. This development positions SLB at the forefront of drilling automation and could strengthen its competitive advantage in the energy technology sector.

Market Research Analyst

This innovation strengthens SLB's market position in the energy technology sector, particularly in drilling automation. The technology addresses critical industry needs for improved efficiency, reduced environmental impact and enhanced well productivity. The successful deployment in Ecuador serves as a powerful proof of concept that could accelerate market adoption.

The timing is strategic, as the energy industry faces increasing pressure to improve operational efficiency while reducing environmental impact. This dual benefit could drive significant customer interest, especially among operators looking to optimize their field development plans while meeting sustainability goals. The technology's ability to improve well productivity while reducing drilling-related emissions aligns perfectly with current industry trends and regulatory requirements.

• Intelligent closed-loop drilling system dynamically responds to subsurface geological information
• Keeps well trajectory in the “sweet spot” of the reservoir for maximum production
• Improves efficiency — minimizing the carbon footprint of drilling operations

HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Global energy technology company SLB (NYSE: SLB) introduces Neuro™ autonomous geosteering, which dynamically responds to subsurface complexities to drill more efficient, higher-performing wells, while reducing the carbon footprint of the drilling operations.

Using AI, Neuro geosteering integrates and interprets complex real-time subsurface information to autonomously guide the drill bit through the most productive layer or “sweet spot” of the reservoir. (Photo: Business Wire)

Using artificial intelligence (AI), Neuro geosteering integrates and interprets complex real-time subsurface information to autonomously guide the drill bit through the most productive layer or “sweet spot” of the reservoir. During conventional geosteering operations, geologists must manually interpret this data to identify a well target, update the well plan and trajectory, and communicate this to the directional driller. Neuro geosteering does all of these steps end to end — without any human intervention.

“Neuro autonomous geosteering is a remarkable industry-first achievement that is for drillers what the autonomous vehicle is for drivers,” said Jesus Lamas, president, Well Construction, SLB. “Using advanced cloud and edge AI capabilities, the system automatically selects the best route for drilling the well based on high-fidelity downhole measurements, bringing the well trajectory in line with the real-world conditions of the reservoir. By drilling more consistent and higher-producing wells, our customers can optimize their field development plan while reducing operational emissions from drilling over the lifetime of the asset.”

Neuro autonomous geosteering builds on the technology foundation of SLB’s Neuro autonomous directional drilling, which drills wells to a defined well target in accordance with the well plan. Neuro autonomous geosteering takes this a step further — incorporating high-fidelity downhole measurements that ensure certainty of well placement in the best part of the reservoir.

In Ecuador, SLB deployed Neuro autonomous geosteering to drill a 2,392-foot lateral section of an onshore well for Shaya Ecuador S.A. During this operation, SLB's autonomous system completed 25 autonomous geosteering trajectory changes, with each interpretation and decision cycle taking only seconds. By remaining in the most productive layer of the reservoir, the well has become one of the best producers in the country.

For more information, visit slb.com/Neuro

About SLB

SLB (NYSE: SLB) is a global technology company that drives energy innovation for a balanced planet. With a global footprint in more than 100 countries and employees representing almost twice as many nationalities, we work each day on innovating oil and gas, delivering digital at scale, decarbonizing industries, and developing and scaling new energy systems that accelerate the energy transition. Find out more at slb.com.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements:

This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the U.S. federal securities laws — that is, statements about the future, not about past events. Such statements often contain words such as “expect,” “may,” “can,” “estimate,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “will,” “potential,” “projected" and other similar words. Forward-looking statements address matters that are, to varying degrees, uncertain, such as forecasts or expectations regarding the deployment of, or anticipated benefits of, SLB’s new technologies and partnerships; statements about goals, plans and projections with respect to sustainability and environmental matters; forecasts or expectations regarding energy transition and global climate change; and improvements in operating procedures and technology. These statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, the inability to achieve net-negative carbon emissions goals; the inability to recognize intended benefits of SLB’s strategies, initiatives or partnerships; legislative and regulatory initiatives addressing environmental concerns, including initiatives addressing the impact of global climate change; the timing or receipt of regulatory approvals and permits; and other risks and uncertainties detailed in SLB’s most recent Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K filed with or furnished to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. If one or more of these or other risks or uncertainties materialize (or the consequences of such a development changes), or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual outcomes may vary materially from those reflected in our forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release, and SLB disclaims any intention or obligation to update publicly or revise such statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241127402342/en/

Media

Josh Byerly – SVP of Communications

Moira Duff – Director of External Communications

SLB

Tel: +1 (713) 375-3407

media@slb.com

Investors

James R. McDonald – SVP of Investor Relations & Industry Affairs

Joy V. Domingo – Director of Investor Relations

SLB

Tel: +1 (713) 375-3535

investor-relations@slb.com

Source: SLB

FAQ

What is SLB's new Neuro autonomous geosteering technology?

Neuro autonomous geosteering is an AI-powered drilling technology that automatically guides drill bits through the most productive reservoir layers by interpreting real-time subsurface data without human intervention.

How did SLB's Neuro autonomous geosteering perform in Ecuador?

In Ecuador, the system successfully completed 25 autonomous trajectory changes across a 2,392-foot lateral section, resulting in one of the country's best-producing wells.

What are the key benefits of SLB's Neuro autonomous geosteering?

The technology improves well productivity, reduces operational emissions, optimizes field development, and eliminates the need for manual interpretation by geologists.