Will AI replace Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas?
AI can do 0% of the work Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas do at least twice as fast. None of their 15 tasks show real AI use yet. Robots can technically handle 9 physical tasks. 6 still need a person.
AI is already doing this0 · 0% of time
People already use AI for these tasks in real work, based on Anthropic's analysis of how Claude is used.
- Real AI use has not reached any of this job's tasks yet.
AI could do this next0 · 0% of time
AI can speed these up by at least half, but real use has not caught up yet. These are next in line.
- No other tasks in this job can be sped up by AI today.
Robots can technically do this9 · 75% of time
Physical tasks that today's robots can perform in at least some settings. Robots are cost competitive for very few tasks so far, so this change moves slower.
- Guide lengths of pipe into and out of elevators.Robots: structured workplaces17% of time
- Control the viscosity and weight of the drilling fluid.Robots: structured workplaces13% of time
- Listen to mud pumps and check regularly for vibration and other problems to ensure that rig pumps and drilling mud systems are working properly.Robots: structured workplaces13% of time
- Weigh clay, and mix with water and chemicals to make drilling mud, using portable mixers.Robots: purpose built settings11% of time
- Steady pipes during connection to or disconnection from drill or casing strings.Robots: structured workplaces9% of time
- Inspect derricks for flaws, and clean and oil derricks to maintain proper working conditions.Robots: purpose built settings5% of time
- Start pumps that circulate mud through drill pipes and boreholes to cool drill bits and flush out drill cuttings.Robots: structured workplaces4% of time
- Position and align derrick elements, using harnesses and platform climbing devices.Robots: purpose built settings2% of time
- Set and bolt crown blocks to posts at tops of derricks.Robots: purpose built settings1% of time
Still needs a person6 · 25% of time
No real AI use, no proven AI speedup and no robot that can do it yet. This is the part of the job to build on.
- Repair pumps, mud tanks, and related equipment.11% of time
- Supervise crew members, and provide assistance in training them.6% of time
- Prepare mud reports, and instruct crews about the handling of any chemical additives.4% of time
- Inspect derricks, or order their inspection, prior to being raised or lowered.1% of time
- Clamp holding fixtures on ends of hoisting cables.1% of time
- String cables through pulleys and blocks.1% of time
Your week is not the average
Describe what you actually do and get a personal report: your own tasks, what AI can already do, what stays yours and a 90 day plan.
What this means
Little of this work suits AI. The bigger change here is robots: today's robots can technically do 75% of the working time, though they are rarely cheap enough to replace people yet.
What to do next
- Keep an eye on the 9 physical tasks robots can technically do. Cost keeps most robots out of work today, so this shift is slower.
- Build on the 6 tasks that stay human. This is where your judgment, skill and relationships matter most.
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