FlexRobotics hits the Permian: H&P’s robotic rig makes its field debut

H&P’s FlexRobotics™ system has officially hit the Permian, bringing fully automated pipe-handling to the field. Retrofits, record-setting rig moves including a pad-to-pad move in just 44 hours, and a crew-empowering design make this robotic breakthrough a game-changer for drilling efficiency and safety. 

TODD FOX, H&P 

Fig. 1. In partnership with NOV, H&P has deployed its first field-ready robotic rig, FlexRobotics, in the Midland basin of West Texas.

 Joining the lineup of advanced rig technology is H&P’s FlexRobotics™ system. In a bold leap toward the future of drilling automation, H&P, in partnership with NOV, has officially deployed its first field-ready robotic rig: FlexRobotics, Fig. 1. And it’s not just a flashy prototype—it’s already proving its mettle in the Midland basin. 

 BUILT FOR THE FIELD, NOT THE LAB 

FlexRobotics isn’t some moonshot science project. It’s a retrofit-ready system designed to integrate seamlessly with any of H&P’s active rigs. The secret sauce is “off-the-shelf” robotic arms, the same kind used in automotive plants around the globe. These industrial-grade manipulators now handle the heavy lifting of tripping pipe and making drilling connections—fully automated, no human hands required. 

Not only that, it’s meeting the same operational benchmarks that our crews achieve every day. FlexRobotics doesn’t just look futuristic, it performs at a top level. 

TESTED IN TULSA, PROVEN IN THE PERMIAN

Fig. 2. FlexRobotics is designed to empower rig teams, not shrink them. Five-hand crews are likely to remain the standard, but with the robotic system handling repetitive tasks.

Before FlexRobotics ever touched an operator’s well, it went through months of rigorous testing on H&P’s R&D FlexRig® 918 in Tulsa, starting in May 2024. This strategic move allowed H&P to validate the system’s performance, safety, and crew integration in a controlled environment. By the time the technology reached the field, it was more than ready—it was refined, reliable, and field-proven. 

 NOT A REPLACEMENT—A FORCE MULTIPLIER 

At H&P, we see robotics not as a replacement for our crews, but as a force multiplier. FlexRobotics is designed to empower the rig team, not shrink it, Fig. 2. We anticipate that a five-hand crew will remain the standard, but with the robotic system handling repetitive tasks, those hands will have more time and energy to focus on flat time events, rig maintenance, and operational optimization. It’s about moving routine tasks to automation, so crews can concentrate on performance and safety. 

FIRST DEPLOYMENT: MIDLAND BASIN, SEPTEMBER 2025 

The inaugural FlexRobotics rig hit the dirt in West Texas this fall, working for a Super Major in the Permian basin. Its first assignment was a four-well pad. Mission accomplished. 
But the real jaw-dropper came next: a pad-to-pad move in just 44 hrs. That’s not just fast—it’s record-setting territory for a rig of this complexity. The robotic system’s modular design and plug-and-play architecture made the transition smooth, swift, and shockingly simple. 

 WHY IT MATTERS 

Fig. 3. FlexRobotics is not a solo act but actually the result of a strategic partnership between H&P and NOV, blending H&P’s rig automation and controls expertise with NOV’s robotic know-how.

Here are a few reasons why the use of FlexRobotics matters: 

• Retrofittable: No need to build new rigs from scratch. FlexRobotics can be bolted onto existing H&P fleet units. 
• Reliable tech: It uses proven robotic arms already battle-tested in manufacturing. 
• Crew efficiency: Matches human performance while freeing up crew bandwidth. 
• Safety & consistency: Reduces manual handling and improves procedural repeatability.   

THE POWER DUO: H&P + NOV 

This isn’t a solo act. FlexRobotics is the result of a strategic partnership between H&P and NOV, blending H&P’s rig automation and controls expertise with NOV’s robotic know-how, Fig. 3. Together, we’ve built a system that’s not just smart—it’s scalable. 

So, next time you hear the hum of a rig in West Texas, don’t be surprised if it’s not a crew making the connections—it’s a robot, working hand-in-hand with H&P’s rig crews to drill smarter. 

TODD FOX graduated in 1993 with a B.S. degree in mechanical engineering from Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology. Immediately after that, he attended Naval Officer Candidate School, receiving a commission as a U.S. Navy officer. Mr. Fox has spent the past 21 years working for, or in association with, drilling contractors. He joined H&P eight years ago and worked as director, Global Accounts, and Director, FlexServices, prior to his current role as director, Product Management. Prior to H&P, he spent 13 years working for a large public drilling contractor as V.P., Operations; V.P., Global Projects; V.P., Engineering; and district manager. Mr. Fox has designed and constructed over 170 drilling rigs and holds nine patents related to drilling technology.