Students from Wrocław University of Science and Technology are working on an underwater robot which could be used for tasks such as exploration of various kinds of water bodies or inspection of ships’ hulls. The young constructors would like to take their machine to an international competition held in the USA

The idea to build it was originated at “Robocik”, i.e. the Scientific Circle of Automatics and Robotics, last year. When the recruitment of new members was over, the authorities of the society decided to begin a big project, which would also ensure entry at international competitions.

The members of the circle decided that their first robot wouldn’t be too sophisticated - it was supposed to be able to sail and feature a video camera, but first of all, make it possible to obtain new knowledge with respect to the development of such constructions. – We designed it in stages. If it’s supposed to sail, it must have engines; if it’s supposed to move in different directions, it must feature steering systems, plus a system for providing power, and of course a casing - says Jakub Chmielewski, the main constructor of the robot.

When the 3D model was ready, the first prototype was built. In June, works began on a more advanced construction. A model made of acid-proof aluminium sheet was ready in October. Students made presentations of their robot at events including the Days of Students’ Activity and December’s Robotic Arena competition.

The 10 kg vessel’s dimensions are 50x30x40 cm. It is equipped with six engines, a video camera, LED lights, location and orientation sensors, and a temperature sensor preventing the power unit from overheating. The robot is controlled with a pad, its control cable is 30 m long, and the speed at which it can travel is about 5 m per second - explained Chmielewski.

The biggest problem, as far as such constructions are concerned, is the water-tightening of the casing, as even the smallest leak may lead to a short circuit and cause damage to all of the electronic parts. – In this project, we need to prepare electronic circuits of complexity comparable to this of a Mars rover, but we also must find a way to ensure water-tightness and resistance to pressures at different depths – elaborates the constructor.

The purpose of the vessel is to explore various types of water bodies but also to inspect ships’ hulls. Currently, our students are testing their construction in the rowing pool located in building H-14. However, their plans already include testing the robot in bigger water bodies, e.g. the flooded quarry in Sobótka, which is around 40 m deep.

Our students, however, are facing an even bigger challenge, which is the preparation of the vessel for the MATE underwater robotics competition, to be held in the USA in June 2018. The constructors must build a robot equipped with two manipulators, whose task will be to get an engine out of a sunken plane wreck. To attain this goal, the robot will have to carry all necessary equipment to the machine and place a special air cushion by the engine to lift it to the surface.

There are about 15 people involved in the project, while the cost of constructing the underwater robot amounts to around 50 thousand PLN. The students are now looking for sponsors who’d help them tackle the undertaking.

The prestigious MATE underwater robotics competition is organised by the Marine Advanced Technology Education Center in cooperation with NASA. The tasks are performed in places such as the world’s largest pool, boasting over 23 million litres of capacity and 12 metres in depth. Every year, about 100 teams from all over the world take part in the challenge.

For more information, please visit the website of the Scientific Circle “Robocik” and the organisation’s Facebook profile.