AI in Oil and Gas
Schlumberger – Drilling Optimization with AI
Why Schlumberger Needed Change
Drilling is expensive and uncertain. Schlumberger faced recurring challenges:
Non-productive time. Millions lost in inefficient wells.
Complex geology. Subsurface formations were difficult to predict.
Safety risks. High-pressure drilling carried hazards for crews.
The industry needed smarter, faster drilling decisions.
The Birth of AI-Driven Drilling
Schlumberger built AI systems that:
Processed real-time sensor data from rigs
Predicted torque, pressure, and vibration issues
Recommended optimal drilling parameters instantly
Reduced reliance on manual guesswork
Convincing the Institution
Rig crews worried about ceding control. Schlumberger gained buy-in by:
Keeping humans in command, AI in advisory roles
Running pilots that cut non-productive time by double digits
Showing safety improvements in early projects
The Results
Reduced costs, saving millions
Improved safety through fewer drilling errors
Shorter drilling times per well
The Road Ahead
Schlumberger is combining AI with digital subsurface twins and enabling remote global drilling optimization.
The Road Ahead
Schlumberger proved drilling doesn’t have to be guesswork. AI turned geology into guidance, making exploration safer and more economical.
