Key Points
- 01Exxon (XOM) operates over 30 drilling rigs in the Permian Basin
- 02Two Permian rigs already run with robotic drilling automation
- 03Automated rigs targeted to reach about 25% of the fleet next year
- 04Automation supports a 2.5 million boe/d Permian goal by 2030
Exxon accelerates drilling automation in the Permian
ExxonMobil (XOM) is ramping up the deployment of automated drilling systems across its operations in the Permian Basin of Texas and New Mexico. The company currently runs more than 30 drilling rigs in the region and has already equipped two of those rigs with robotic automation. Management plans to expand that footprint significantly over the next several years as part of a broader operational push in the basin.
Bart Cahir, Exxon's senior vice president of unconventionals, outlined targets to raise automated rigs to roughly one-quarter of the Permian fleet next year. By 2028, the company aims to have about half of its rigs in the basin operating with automated systems. This staged rollout is designed to embed new drilling technology across a substantial portion of Exxon's regional rig base.
Production growth targets tied to technology rollout
The automation initiative is closely linked to Exxon's medium-term production ambitions in the Permian Basin. The company has set a target of about 2.5 million barrels of oil equivalent per day from the basin by 2030. That level represents roughly a 40% increase from the production levels the company currently cites for the area.
Exxon plans to use automated drilling alongside other technologies and operating practices to reach this production goal. By accelerating well development and improving recovery rates, management expects the technology program to support higher output from existing and future developments in the basin.
Safety and productivity as core objectives
A key rationale for the automation program is improved worker safety. Exxon notes that about one-third of significant drilling injuries occur on the rig floor, where manual operations have traditionally concentrated. By using robotic systems to perform high-risk tasks, the company intends to move personnel away from those exposure points.
In addition to safety, Exxon emphasizes the productivity benefits of automation. With machines handling repetitive or hazardous activities, crews can shift focus to planning and optimization work. Management sees this reallocation of tasks as a way to speed drilling cycles, support more efficient well development, and ultimately enhance recovery from Permian assets.
Key Takeaways
- 01Exxon is embedding automation across a growing share of its Permian rigs, moving from two automated rigs today toward roughly half of the fleet by 2028.
- 02The technology rollout is directly connected to Exxon's plan to lift Permian output to about 2.5 million boe/d by 2030, implying substantial growth from current levels.
- 03Safety considerations are central, with automation targeting the rig floor where a significant portion of drilling injuries occurs, while also unlocking productivity gains in well development.
References
- https://finance.yahoo.com/energy/articles/exxon-expands-automated-drilling-permian-111804786.html
- https://kelo.com/2026/08/24/exxon-turns-to-automated-drilling-in-the-permian-in-push-for-higher-oil-output/
- https://wiky.com/2026/08/24/exxon-turns-to-automated-drilling-in-the-permian-in-push-for-higher-oil-output/
- https://wtvbam.com/2026/08/24/exxon-turns-to-automated-drilling-in-the-permian-in-push-for-higher-oil-output/