Smith Myers unveils enhanced features for its ARTEMIS Mobile Phone Detection & Location System
The company has added two major upgrades to the system, including a Stand-Alone Public Warning System and an improved SARLOC feature, enhancing both its search and rescue capabilities and emergency communications
Smith Myers, a UK-based cellular technology company, has unveiled two significant upgrades to its ARTEMIS Mobile Phone Detection & Location System (MPDLS), strengthening the platform's use for both search and rescue (SAR) and emergency communications. The new features – a Stand-Alone Public Warning System (PWS) and an enhanced SARLOC capability – are being showcased at European Rotors 2025.
Stand-Alone Public Warning System
The Stand-Alone PWS enables emergency agencies to broadcast alerts directly to mobile phones, even when local cellular networks are down. Operating independently of mobile network operators and compatible with global PWS standards, including Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) and Emergency Alert Australia, the system supports cell broadcast delivery of hazard information, geographic targeting, and safety instructions.
The public warning broadcast bypasses network congestion, delivering alerts to anyone in the affected area, including tourists, all without requiring personal data. It also offers a more cost-efficient alternative to traditional mass-messaging methods.
“This new capability transforms ARTEMIS from a detection and location tool into a full-spectrum emergency communications platform,” said Andrew Munro, Managing Director of Smith Myers. “In situations where infrastructure is compromised, ARTEMIS ensures that critical alerts still reach those who need them most.”
Upgraded SARLOC feature
Alongside the PWS, Smith Myers is rolling out an upgraded SARLOC feature designed to facilitate controlled, two-way communication with people who may need assistance in emergency scenarios such as natural disasters. SAR teams can reach out to selected devices within the coverage zone via SMS, asking if they need assistance, and directing recipients to a secure link on the ARTEMIS system where they can choose to share their GPS position. Once authorized, the device automatically sends updated coordinates to ARTEMIS every 30 seconds, giving air and ground teams accurate, near-real-time positional data.
“Imagine a natural disaster – such as a flood, earthquake, or wildfire – where all mobile devices within a specific geofenced zone receive this message,” added Munro. “Only those who need help respond. With the SARLOC feature, individuals on the ground can share their precise location directly with search and rescue teams, entirely under their control. The net result being speedier, more reliable and safer operations for persons in distress and first responders.”
Enterprise Control Systems (ECS), a UK-based radio frequency (RF) technology specialist, recently unveiled ECS Connect – an intelligent data link network manager designed to enhance how mission-critical communications are managed across air, land, and sea domains.