US Patent 9995129 Drilling automation using stochastic optimal control

An example method for drilling automation may comprise generating a model of a drilling system based, at least in part, on a first set of downhole measurements. The model may accept drilling parameters of the drilling system as inputs. A rate of penetration for the drilling system may be determined based, at least in part on the model. The model may be simulated using a first set of values for the drilling parameters, and a control policy for the drilling system may be calculated based, at least in part, on the rate of penetration and the results of the simulation. A control signal to the drilling system may be generated based, at least in part, on the control policy.