Digital drilling technology in deep engineering applications: A review of rotary cutting mechanisms and intelligent control strategies

The deep engineering faces severe challenges arising from extreme geological environments characterized by high temperatures, high pressures, and strong osmotic pressure. Conventional rock-breaking mechanisms face limitations in both accuracy and safety. Consequently, digital drilling technology (DDT) has emerged as a core engine for intelligent transformation in this field. Progress in DDT is systematically reviewed in terms of mechanical foundations, testing methodology, and deep engineering applications. Initially, bit–rock interaction was examined through the indentation, cutting failure, and drilling dynamics. Subsequently, the development of the test equipment from single-parameter to multi-physics field coupling was summarized, emphasizing the role of intelligent experiments in building high-quality databases. Finally, specific engineering practices of DDT are discussed with a focus on penetration monitoring, adaptive optimization, and formation detection. This review clarified current progress and challenges of DDT in deep engineering survey, providing the future developments toward mechanism and control approaches.