3 min read
Full autonomy is often seen as the “holy grail” for industrial operations, and oilfield services are no exception. In coiled tubing (CT) and wireline (WL) operations, automation represents a major opportunity to improve HSE, operational consistency, and return on investment.
However, adoption across the industry has been slow. Despite the rapid progress of digitalization, many interventions are still executed with minimal automation, relying heavily on human input and on-site supervision.
This article explores the levels of automation and autonomy in CT and WL operations, highlighting what’s achievable today, what’s emerging, and how operators can move toward a data-driven, autonomous future.
Inspired by frameworks from the automotive and industrial robotics sectors, the following six levels describe how automation can evolve within well intervention operations.
All actions are manually controlled. No digital tools or automation logic assist the operator. This level is still common in older units or legacy rigs, where decisions and execution rely entirely on personnel experience.
Risks: High potential for human error, inconsistent performance, and lack of digital traceability.
Basic machine assistance and process control exist, such as tension readouts or manual speed regulation. Operators retain full decision authority but may receive advisory prompts from the system.
Typical examples: Electronic depth counters, basic feedback loops, safety alarms.
Two or more automated functions operate together, reducing the operator’s manual workload. The system can suggest or execute actions that the operator must approve.
Examples of Level 2 features (as delivered by Stimline systems):
Automated run-in/run-out sequences based on SOPs
Adjustable speed/tension profiles
Dynamic compression/tension limits
Auto-jarring functions
Downhole tool control from surface equipment
These systems significantly reduce manual error and enable repeatability while keeping humans in the loop.
The system performs most tasks automatically and notifies the operator of actions taken. Operators act as supervisors, intervening only when conditions deviate from expected parameters.
Characteristics:
Electrified and digitally integrated units
Real-time monitoring and adaptive control
Integrated data capture and analytics
Remote supervision capabilities
This level is now commercially available in several electrified CT and WL systems, with strong performance gains in consistency, HSE, and energy efficiency.
The system can make operational decisions based on sensor input, AI models, and learned behavior.
Human input is optional and primarily used for oversight or exception handling.
Emerging capabilities:
AI-based parameter optimization
Predictive maintenance and anomaly detection
Integration with digital twins for real-time simulation
Semi-remote or fully remote control centers
This stage forms the bridge between automation and full autonomy.
The system operates independently, with humans only monitoring overall performance and safety metrics. Decision-making is fully automated, guided by machine learning, sensor fusion, and SOP logic integrated into the digital planning system.
While Level 5 remains aspirational in 2025, pilots in controlled environments are demonstrating shore-based well intervention operations using AI-assisted control systems.
Despite strong technical progress, most CT and WL operations remain at Level 0–2, limited by a few persistent barriers:
Legacy rig-site equipment not built for digital integration
Lack of trust in automation reliability
Contractual and operational models that reward time, not efficiency
Upfront investment costs and unclear ROI frameworks
Limited understanding of automation value in risk and downtime reduction
When digital planning platforms like Stimline IDEX are connected to automated field systems, operators gain real, measurable benefits:
Convert digital well plans directly into executable machine instructions
Control operations using AI-based advisory systems (e.g., IDEX Advisor)
Automate adherence to company standard operating procedures (SOPs)
Enable remote operations and reduced rig-site staffing
Collect continuous operational data for analysis and learning
These capabilities turn data into action, and action into autonomy.
Read more: How to Optimise Well Completion with a Collaborative Software Solution
The electrification of CT and WL systems, driven by automotive and renewables innovation, has made automation more feasible and sustainable.
Today’s Level 3 systems offer significant advantages:
Electrified, emission-reducing drive systems
Digital workflow integration
Continuous data collection for analytics
Remote operation capability
Improved HSE through reduced on-site presence
Foundation for full AI-driven autonomy
As AI models learn from historical and real-time data, the step to Level 4 autonomy will not require major hardware changes, only smarter, more connected software.
The oilfield of the future will not be defined by more people or more horsepower, but by smarter, autonomous systems working with human oversight.
With digital planning, real-time analytics, and automated control already available, reaching Level 3 autonomy is achievable today. The data generated by these systems will fuel the next evolution — true Level 4 and 5 autonomous well intervention.
The question is no longer if the industry will automate, but how fast it will adapt.
Six defined levels of automation guide the path from manual to autonomous CT/WL operations.
Most current operations remain at Level 0–2, but Level 3 systems are now commercially available.
Combining digital planning (IDEX) with automated field equipment enables safe, data-driven operations.
Electrification and AI open the door to remote, low-emission, and autonomous interventions.
Automation improves safety, reduces human error, and increases operational efficiency.
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