Modified casing running tool and method of using the same

A casing running tool comprising:

• a) a gripping section comprising a gripping mechanism, said gripping mechanism being moveable from a set state in which the gripping mechanism grips a joint of tubular or casing, to an unset state in which the gripping mechanism releases a joint of tubular or casing;
• and a gearbox comprising mechanical elements used to set and unset the gripping mechanism;
• b) one or more sensors built into the mechanical elements of the gearbox of the casing running tool for detecting axial movement, axial position, rotational movement or rotational position of the mechanical elements;
• and
• c) an electronics housing built into the casing running tool, said electronics housing comprising:
• i. one or more power sources for powering said one or more sensors;
• ii. one or more circuit boards for converting sensor data for transmission;
• iii. transmission means for transmitting sensor data;
• and
• iv. one or more sensors selected from the group consisting of strain gauges, accelerometers, gyros and combinations thereof,
• wherein said one or more sensors are for sensing if the gripping section is in a set state or unset state, and for sensing operational parameters of the casing running tool comprising axial load, axial position, torque, turns, internal mud pressure, hook load, tension, rotation speed, rotational position, vibration, alignment, X, Y, Z acceleration and temperature.