Soil Machine Dynamics Limited (SMD), one of the world's leading manufacturers of remote intervention equipment, and SeeByte, the global leader in creating smart software technology for unmanned systems, have announced their intention to enter a partnership commencing in early 2012.

SeeByte and SMD will work together to develop advanced control algorithms for remotely operated vehicle systems, building on SMD’s experience with its Distributed Vehicle Control System and drawing in SeeByte’s expertise with products such as SeeTrack CoPilot. Having successfully worked together in the past to deliver the world’s first mid-water DP application for rock-dumping on behalf of the Jan De Nul Group, the companies agreed to enter a partnership which will provide benefits for SMD customers, delivering enhanced vehicle control for ROV conducted subsea tasks. The partnership aims to push the boundaries for sophisticated autonomous and pilot-assist systems for work-class operations in a range of environments.

Bob Black, CEO at SeeByte commented: “This is yet another positive partnership born from our software’s proven ability to improve the capabilities of ROVs during subsea missions, especially when paired with hardware as well-designed and respected as that of SMD. Known as leaders in the subsea technology field, SMD have been delivering solutions for many decades, making them the type of valued company I believe that SeeByte should be partnering with. I look forward to working closely with SMD to continue to grow this relationship”

“Our clients operate in increasingly demanding environments,” said Andrew Hodgson, CEO of SMD, continuing: “Through this agreement we believe we can jointly develop capabilities that will further increase the efficiency and effectiveness of our customers’ operations.”

ABOUT SMD:

SMD is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of remote intervention equipment, working in hazardous environments worldwide. Customers span a range of sectors from energy (oil and gas, marine renewables and offshore wind infrastructure, nuclear), to telecoms, mining, naval / military and scientific communities. The company is organised along five key business streams: Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs), Trenching, Renewables, Nuclear, and Subsea Mining. Over 2010 the business grew its headcount from 136 to 275 employees. Annual turnover increased from £43.3M in 2009 to £61.3M in 2010.

SMD is based in Wallsend near Newcastle, with offices in Yorkshire, Singapore, the US and Macae in Brazil.