SPE Drilling Systems Advancement Technical Section (DSATS)

Big News - We've Evolved The SPE Drilling Systems Automation Technical Section (DSATS) is now the Drilling Systems Advancement Technical Section (DSATS). Why the Change The industry has evolved and so have we. Automation remains at the core of what we do, but it’s now part of something bigger - the advancement of the entire drilling ecosystem. Our New Mission To bring together operators, drilling contractors, service providers, OEM’s, academia and technology leaders to define, develop, and deploy smarter, more integrated drilling systems that drive increased value throughout the well lifecycle. What This Means Our new name reflects a broader focus to advance drilling through collaboration, innovation, and systems integration. • Big-picture systems thinking: breaking silos and connecting planning, execution, and automation. • Human-centered design: creating tools that guide, not overwhelm. • Clarity over chaos: actionable insights that drive real-world performance. • Collaboration: operators, drilling contractors, service providers, OEM’s, academia and technology leaders solving challenges together. Welcome to the next chapter of DSATS — same mission, bigger vision! Get Involved with DSATS • Follow DSATS | Follow this page for insights, events, and conversations shaping the future of drilling systems. • Join DSATS | Become an SPE member, then select DSATS as a Technical Section in your SPE profile. • Attend a DSATS Event | Join us at the DSATS / ART Symposium (16 MAR) and the D-WIS Strategy & User Meeting (20 MAR). Details and registration: spe-dsats.org • See DSATS in Action | Visit the Drillbotics® Booth at the 2026 IADC/SPE Drilling Conference (17–19 MAR) or catch DSATS leaders speaking at industry panels and forums. • Learn Online | DSATS regularly participates in webinars and online events (including SPE Live). Follow along here for upcoming sessions and registration details.