Atos: Eviden launches the SMX, a speed sensor for naval drones manufactured in France
In a press release published on 3 November 2026, Eviden, the products division of Atos Group, presented this new instrument under its BEN Marine brand. The sensor continuously measures speed relative to water and aims to meet the miniaturisation requirements demanded by naval forces.
A log weighing less than 2 kg for military and civilian drones
The SMX is intended for surface and underwater drones. The company cites mine hunters, torpedoes, wet submarines and missiles. The device is also aimed at civilian drones and oceanographic research, which Eviden presents as an illustration of its activity in dual-use technologies.
Rated for 30 bar (300 metres) and holding MIL-STD qualification, the device weighs less than 2 kg and houses all of its electronics within the sensor. According to the group, the actual speed of movement it provides is the progress control data for the distance to be covered.
The SMX follows on from the SM 2000. It relies on electromagnetic technology that emits no acoustic signal, a criterion the company highlights for surface and submarine operations.
Speed data is transmitted via a standard bus (NMEA) to the drone's navigation system, ensuring synchronisation with the other sensors. Calibration and its diagnostics can be carried out remotely, with a view to improving the platform's operational availability.
Design and manufacturing carried out in Aix-en-Provence
The SMX is designed and manufactured in France. Manufacturing of the sensor, which according to the group is at the core of BEN Marine's expertise, as well as assembly and qualification, are carried out at Eviden's critical systems production site in Aix-en-Provence. BEN Marine's teams also provide in-service support for electromagnetic logs.
For Bernard Payer, Director of Mission-Critical Systems at Eviden, "with the launch of the SMX, Eviden is evolving a proven technology to meet the needs of new autonomous maritime platforms. It demonstrates our ability to provide reliable navigation information in operational theatres and to master the entire value chain, from design onward."
BEN Marine markets, through a global network of distributors, electromagnetic logs, repeaters, flowmeters and compasses. They are intended for military vessels as well as fishing, commercial and scientific research vessels. These products are the heritage of the Bianchetti navigation instrument workshop, founded in Marseille in 1822.
