Underwater technology and services company, SMD, and deep technology company, Beam, are mobilising autonomous vehicles in harsh offshore environments using Beam’s Pathfinder software.
Having purchased SMD’s market-leading Quantum EV, Beam plans to mount its innovative subsea perception system, SubSLAM – running their Pathfinder software – to the vehicle, enabling AI-driven autonomous piloting in deeper, harsher waters.
By combining SubSLAM’s localisation, AI and mapping technology with Quantum EV’s exceptional high-current performance, vital progress will be made towards improving the efficiency of offshore wind farm maintenance.
SMD’s ROV sales and business development manager, John McCann, explained: “We are delighted to collaborate with Beam, a company that shares our future focus and passion for innovation.
“SubSLAM’S real-time 3D mapping, data collection, and image capture capabilities represent a huge step towards fully autonomous ROV operations. When mounted to a powerful, steady vehicle like the Quantum EV, these capabilities are unlocked in even deeper waters.”
Discussing the importance of this partnership, Simon Adams, programme director at Beam, said: “Our work with SMD underscores our commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology to deliver superior services and drive the growth of renewable energy worldwide. By moving towards autonomous vehicles for inspection and maintenance missions, we cut operational costs and improve overall efficiency. These inspections also require less manpower, which is critical in an industry facing a workforce shortage.”
“With SMD’s Quantum EV offering superior stability and position-keeping during high-current operations, we can now take our Pathfinder software and SubSLAM to even harsher environments, autonomously servicing a wider range of offshore wind farms.”
Marc Coull, programme director – service innovation at Beam, added: “A market-leading vehicle, SMD’s Quantum EV comes with superior payload, more space for intervention equipment, and unparalleled speed and power. It’s exactly what we need to evolve our deep-sea missions.
“SMD’s commitment to driving forward the renewable sector aligns perfectly with our own – its team has not only understood our ambitions but worked closely with us to drive them forward.”
To learn more about SMD’s pioneering technology, please visit: https://www.smd.co.uk/
About SMD: Employing over 250 staff, SMD provides advanced technology, systems and services for remotely operated and autonomous underwater solutions. SMD works across several global markets, such as renewable energy, oil & gas, telecoms, scientific, salvage and subsea minerals, to engineer excellence underwater. Committed to sustainability and diversity, SMD continues to push the boundaries of engineering to create a better future for all.
About Beam: Beam is a leading deep technology company, using AI and autonomy on robotic ships and underwater robots to service offshore wind farms. Beam is empowering the global energy transition by delivering cutting-edge automation that provides immediate time and cost savings across all lifecycle stages of a wind farm. Through these innovations, the company’s mission is to change ways of working in the sector and improve the commercial case for offshore wind compared to oil and gas. Headquartered in the UK and recognised as one of Europe’s fastest-growing tech companies, Beam operates across global markets and employs over 200 people. For more information, visit www.beam.global
Media Contact: Emily Bloor | 07879 878 087 | emily@mcbrydeandco.com
