Drilling automation system

A system for automating riser running during a well construction operation, comprising:

• a plurality of sensors that includes:
• a riser spider dogs position sensor in the form of a proximity sensor disposed on riser spider dogs and configured to detect whether the riser spider dogs are open or closed;
• a riser catwalk machine trolley position sensor disposed on a riser catwalk machine trolley and configured to detect a position of the riser catwalk machine trolley;
• a riser skate position sensor disposed on a riser skate and configured to detect a position of the riser skate;
• a tilt ramp position sensor disposed on a riser tilt ramp and configured to detect a position of the tilt ramp, wherein combination of the riser catwalk machine trolley position sensor, the riser skate position sensor, and the tilt ramp position sensor is configured to provide a position and/or height of an incoming riser joint;
• a riser running tool angle sensor disposed on the riser running tool and configured to detect an angle of the riser running tool;
• a riser running tool locking confirmation sensor is configured to detect the locking status of the riser running tool;
• and
• a manipulator arm position sensor disposed on a manipulator arm and configured to detect a position of the manipulator arm;
• and
• a controller in communication with the plurality of sensors and configured to receive a signal from each sensor and provide an input for commanding at least one of the riser spider dogs, the riser catwalk machine trolley, the riser skate, the tilt ramp, the running tool, or the manipulator arm,
• the controller being configured to:
• (a) confirm, using data received from the riser spider dogs position sensor, that the riser spider dogs are closed,
• (b) determine the position and/or height of the incoming riser joint based on data received from a combination of the riser catwalk machine trolley position sensor, the riser skate position sensor, and the tilt ramp position sensor,
• (c) initiate feeding of the incoming riser joint to a stabbing guide of the riser running tool and locking of the riser running tool on the incoming riser joint, and
• (d) confirm, using data received from the riser running tool locking confirmation sensor, that the riser running tool is locked on the incoming riser joint.