Automation and autonomous systems: Human-centred design in drilling and wells

Abstract

This report is based on an assignment commissioned by the Petroleum Safety Authority Norway (PSA) with the theme of human-centred design and human-machine interfaces in the development and implementation of autonomous systems in drilling and wells. The report summarises the review and findings from the project. Through the project, we have seen that automation has generally been successful where it has been introduced in well-defined areas, gradually and in interaction with users. In the petroleum sector, automated systems can contribute to better utilisation and more efficient drilling,and provide support for the earlier detection of failure events via automation of the drilling process. The positive user-centred development of automation should be continued based on lessons learned from pilot projects. It is recommended that references to standards as outlined in the report be updated. In order to address HSE, the principles of meaningful human control should be applied.