Why doesn't somebody automate oil well drilling rigs?

Question

I'm on one now that has a budget over $1,000,000 per day. All we are doing is making a hole in the ground.

Answer 1

Feel free to take a pay cut! Don't expect it of your coworkers, though, and don't expect them to be overjoyed at the prospect of being put out of work. You may not have much respect for roughnecks, but working an oil rig requires considerable skill that is not readily transferred to other professions. It is unwise to automate oil drilling because not all the problems encountered in just making a hole in the ground can be anticipated.

Answer 2

Its a very deep hole in the ground, and not all that simple to make.