Page 52: of Marine Technology Magazine (September 2023)

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SMD https://www.smd.co.uk/

SMD is a subsea technology company that has been devel- offers extreme performance in fast-moving water, but not at oping work-class ROVs for over three decades. For 2023, the expense of ? ne control. “All this adds up to a range that the company’s latest products are the electric Quantum EV can work where current generation vehicles can’t, that opens and Atom EV ROVs, which are more compact than previ- up the operating weather window and delivers higher qual- ous generations, help reduce CO2 emissions, and can even ity results. All while being more environmentally friendly,” operate autonomously when equipped properly. According SMD says. Looking to the future of work class ROVs, SMD to SMD, Quantum EV is a 270hp heavy construction vehicle shared, “Work class ROVs are a multipurpose tool. And as with a high payload and powerful thrust output. Atom EV is with any tool there is always a focus on how well it does the a 130hp light construction vehicle suited to shallow-water, job, its reliability, and its dependability. But the offshore en- high-current work in offshore renewables. “Both vehicles ergy mix is changing. And we are also seeing changes to the are more compact than previous generations, so they will way people work (and go to sea) with much more emphasis ? t on smaller vessels or uncrewed surface vessels to help on work-life balance and the environment. So the robotic reduce CO2 and cut client costs,” SMD shared. The ROVs tools that construct and maintain energy infrastructure need feature a new DC power transmission system that is said to evolve. In the future, the tools we today call work class to be far more ef? cient and environmentally friendly than ROVs will need to be suitable for uncrewed vessel and resi- previous generations. Further, the ROVs employ advanced dent work; we may see less cabled connections to the surface ? ight control computers to help complete operations faster and onboard power systems; we will probably see AI start and maintain control in arduous conditions, such as high cur- performing tasks, with a move from person in loop to person rents, SMD explains. The ? ight control system can also link on loop-command to control. It will be easier and faster to to other SMART systems unlocking autonomous function- undertake tasks and see the results, with real-time informa- ality. They use unique electric propulsion technology that tion at the ? ngertips of stakeholders anywhere in the world.” 52 September/October 2023

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