Schilling Robotics' HD™ ROV Earns 2011 Spotlight on New Technology Award

DAVIS, Calif. --(Business Wire)--

Schilling Robotics, LLC, experts in subsea systems, announced today that it has received a 2011 Spotlight on New Technology (News - Alert) Award from the Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) for its new Heady-Duty (HD™) ROV. The honor, which recognizes innovative technologies that significantly impact offshore exploration and production, was awarded to Schilling for the HD's technological advancements.

HD ROV.(Photo: Business Wire)

Schilling's HD™ is a 150hp, 4,000m rated, work-class ROV that is designed to elevate the performance and effectiveness of deepwater remote intervention. The HD™ simplifies ROV operation and maintenance through the application of an enhanced, integrated system design. This allows operating personnel to focus on the requirements of their customer instead of primarily focusing on piloting or maintenance skills. One of the most significant advancements with the HD™ is the adoption of modular mechanical, electrical, and control subsystems which reduce the time requirements for all maintenance tasks to one hour or less. This step-change improvement will enable ROV operators to increase operational efficiency, which is particularly critical on projects where vessel day-rates can be as high as $500,000 per day.

"This award recognizes the commitment and dedication that our employees have made to elevate the performance and reliability of ROV systems," said Tyler Schilling, CEO of Schilling Robotics. "Th subsea industry is maturing at a rapid pace, and ROVs have an ever increasing role in both the technical and commercial success of every deepwater project."

The HD™ not only reflects Schilling's 25 years of experience in advancing industry expectations of remotely operated systems, but also the long-term collaboration with FMC Technologies in the development of technologies to improve remote intervention of subsea equipment. Deepwater operations present a unique set of challenges that require innovative solutions, and the HD™ addresses these challenges by significantly simplifying system design while achieving superior performance.

Schilling will receive the OTC Spotlight on New Technology award during a ceremony and press conference at 4:00 p.m. CDT (News - Alert) on Monday, May 2, in the Rotunda area of Reliant Center. The HD™ will be on display in the FMC Technologies booth (#1941) during the conference, which runs May 2 through May 5 at Reliant Park in Houston, Texas.

About Schilling Robotics, LLC

Schilling Robotics is a leading global, deep-ocean robotics company founded in 1985. Schilling is headquartered in California U.S.A. and has regional offices in Texas, U.S.A., Aberdeen (News - Alert), Scotland, Macaé, Brazil, and Singapore. In 2008, FMC Technologies, Inc. acquired a 45% interest in Schilling. FMC Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:FTI) is a leading global provider of technology solutions for the energy industry. FMC Technologies designs, manufactures, and services technologically sophisticated systems and products, such as subsea production and processing systems, surface wellhead systems, high pressure fluid control equipment, measurement solutions, and marine loading systems for the oil and gas industry. Further information about Schilling Robotics can be found at www.schilling.com.

About Spotlight on Technology

The Spotlight on New Technology program gives exhibitors an opportunity to gain visibility for their latest and most advanced hardware and software technologies at the world's largest event for the development of offshore resources. Winning technologies were selected based on five criteria: Being less than two years old, being Innovative, being proven, having broad interest, and providing significant impact beyond existing technologies. To view more information about the winning technologies and download photos at http://www.otcnet.org/2011/pages/general/awards.php

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