Sigve Hovda
Papers
1
Total Citations
9
H-Index
1
About
Sigve Hovda’s research centers on autonomous drilling systems, mechatronics, and real-time control for subsurface exploration. As the lead designer of the miniature autonomous drilling rig for the 2018 SPE Drillbotics competition, Hovda engineered a fully robotic system capable of drilling vertical holes in heterogeneous rock samples without human intervention. This work, detailed in his most-cited paper (9 citations), demonstrated how sensor fusion and adaptive control can optimize rate of penetration while maintaining borehole integrity—a critical challenge for oil and gas, geothermal, and planetary drilling. Beyond the competition, Hovda’s contributions advance the vision of “smart rigs” that reduce operational risks and costs. His achievements include integrating low-cost actuators with high-precision feedback loops, proving that autonomous drilling is feasible on a miniature scale. For students and researchers, Hovda’s work exemplifies how hands-on engineering competitions can drive practical innovation in drilling automation, bridging academic design with real-world energy sector needs.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1