Subodh Saxena on automation
From IPTC 2024: Sustainable Solutions and Nabors' vision for drilling - an interview with Subodh Saxena · · Oil & Gas Middle East
“Our approach to automation can be broken down into three categories: machine automation — for example Red Zone robotics to work in synchronization on a rig floor for a fully automated break flow — process automation, which breaks drilling into discrete steps and automates them, and advisory automation based on data to take better decisions.”
On , Subodh Saxena, Senior Vice President of Canrig & Nabors Drilling Solutions at NABORS INDUSTRIES LTD, spoke about automation during IPTC 2024: Sustainable Solutions and Nabors' vision for drilling - an interview with Subodh Saxena on Oil & Gas Middle East.
About Subodh Saxena
Subodh Saxena, Senior Vice President of Canrig & Nabors Drilling Solutions at Nabors, has been a prominent speaker at industry events in 2024, including the International Petroleum Technology Conference (IPTC) and the IADC Advanced Rig Technology Conference. In interviews, Saxena has discussed the role of technology in drilling, stating that "the future of drilling is all related to technology" and that the industry is using automation to achieve "consistency and repeatability." He has described Nabors' approach to automation as comprising machine, process, and advisory automation, and has said that the company is exploring generative AI as a tool to combine data, physics, and human expertise. Saxena has also addressed decarbonization, noting that Nabors is focusing on measuring and reporting emissions, electrification, alternate fuels, and automated engine management, while adding that "there is no single silver bullet" for reducing carbon footprints. Saxena has also spoken about Nabors' long-term commitment to Saudi Arabia, stating the company is "committed not for the next five or ten years but for the next 100 years" and is aligning with Saudi Vision 2030 through local manufacturing and Saudization. In personal interviews, he has discussed his background, including being born in India and graduating in civil engineering in 1983, and has emphasized values such as endurance, saying "the long journey is so important." He has also described his approach to mentorship, particularly in supporting women in the workplace, and has noted that his daughters have helped sensitize him to issues like mansplaining.