Autonomous Directional Drilling and Geosteering Enhances Real-Time Decision-Making

This paper proposes a novel approach toward drilling maximum-reservoir-contact wells by integrating automated drilling and geosteering software to control the downhole bottomhole assembly, thereby minimizing the need for human intervention.

February 1, 2026

Journal of Petroleum Technology

Fig. 1—Autonomous drilling platform. RT = real time. ROC/RDC = remote operation center/remote drilling center.

Drilling maximum-reservoir-contact (MRC) wells is crucial for the development of mature fields. A risk of collision with existing wells or laterals requires comprehensive real-time anticollision and survey management. Traditionally, skilled directional drillers have relied on their expertise regarding bottomhole-assembly (BHA) behavior in specific areas, adjusting drilling parameters and assembly configurations as needed. This approach, however, often results in deviations from the intended trajectory and performance inconsistencies introduced by human error.

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