Page 32: of Marine Technology Magazine (Jul/Aug 2026)

FEATURE MANIPULATORS

HANDY

HELPERS:

ELECTRIC

UNDERWATER

TOOLS AND

MANIPULATORS

Credit: Reach Robotics

By Celia Konowe nderwater vehicles ? ll a crucial place in maritime function manipulators on an inspection-class ROV to move be- operations, providing support across multiple indus- yond visual inspection and conduct direct asset interaction. “The tries, reaching remote locations despite extreme con- manipulators were used to place corrosion monitoring probes, ditions and reducing risk to workers. They function clean marine growth to provide inspection access, and handle

Uas surrogate eyes and ears where we cannot be, and small subsea components, allowing condition assessment work for periods of time longer than many humans could manage. to be completed without mobilizing a larger intervention system.

However, underwater systems reach beyond observational abil- “For us, this project re? ects a broader shift in the industry,” he ities—literally. Tools and manipulators broaden the capabilities added. “Operators are increasingly looking to perform practi- of vehicles, allowing them to perform a variety of subsea tasks. cal intervention tasks from compact ROV platforms, reducing mobilization requirements while maintaining operational ef? -

Reaching new depths ciency. It demonstrated how electric manipulation can expand “One of the most signi? cant trends we are seeing is the the capability of inspection-class vehicles without the complex- growing expectation that inspection-class vehicles should also ity traditionally associated with larger intervention systems.” be capable of intervention,” explained Nigel Steven, head of “I think we’re at a real turning point for subsea manipula- commercial at Reach Robotics. “Operators are no longer sat- tion,” added Rob Dewell, electric manipulator product man- is? ed with simply observing a problem. They want to recover ager at Saab UK, also recognizing the industry shift towards objects, manipulate equipment, collect samples and complete this capability. tasks without deploying larger, more expensive systems.” “For a long time, people viewed electric systems as a compro-

As such, there is growing demand across multiple sectors— mise compared with hydraulics, but that’s no longer the case,” ranging from defense and offshore energy to commercial in- he explained. “Advances in power density, control systems and spection, research and environmental monitoring—for manip- system integration mean electric manipulators can now deliver ulators that are lightweight, straightforward to integrate and the strength, precision and reliability needed for demanding in- speci? c to a project’s needs. tervention tasks, while also supporting the wider move towards

Reach Robotics develops electric manipulators for remote- all-electric and more autonomous subsea operations.” ly operated vehicles (ROVs), enabling operators to perform Saab boasts the Seaeye eM1-7 Electric Manipulator (eM1- precise underwater intervention tasks. The company’s prod- 7), an electric manipulator arm designed for demanding un- uct range spans compact systems for smaller inspection-class derwater intervention tasks. It combines high lifting capability

ROVs through to seven-function manipulators for more de- with precise control, offering up to 122kg lift capacity at a manding subsea projects. 2-meter reach and 454kg when retracted, while its six degrees

Steven recalled that during a recent inspection, maintenance of freedom provide the dexterity needed for complex opera- and repair campaign, operators used a pair of Reach X ? ve- tions. The system is also engineered for deepwater environ- 32 July/August 2026

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