SLB launches Neuro autonomous geosteering

SLB has added AI-driven geosteering to its autonomous drilling solutions with the launch of Neuro autonomous geosteering, which dynamically responds to subsurface complexities to drill more efficient, higher-performing wells, while reducing the carbon footprint of the drilling operations

Using artificial intelligence (AI), Neuro geosteering integrates and interprets complex real-time subsurface information to autonomously guide the drill bit through the most productive layer or “sweet spot” of the reservoir. Instead of geologists needing to manually interpret this data to identify a well target, update the well plan and trajectory, and communicate this to the directional driller, Neuro geosteering performs all of these steps end to end — without any human intervention.

“Neuro autonomous geosteering is a remarkable industry-first achievement that is for drillers what the autonomous vehicle is for drivers,” said Jesus Lamas, president, Well Construction, SLB. “Using advanced cloud and edge AI capabilities, the system automatically selects the best route for drilling the well based on high-fidelity downhole measurements, bringing the well trajectory in line with the real-world conditions of the reservoir. By drilling more consistent and higher-producing wells, our customers can optimise their field development plan while reducing operational emissions from drilling over the lifetime of the asset.”

Neuro autonomous geosteering builds on SLB’s Neuro autonomous directional drilling, introduced in 2022, which drills wells to a defined well target in accordance with the well plan, using AI with surface and downhole automation workflows to self-determine steering sequences and deliver the well trajectory on plan. Neuro autonomous geosteering takes this a step further — incorporating high-fidelity downhole measurements that ensure certainty of well placement in the best part of the reservoir.