ZotQuatics
Background
RoboSub guides aspiring engineers in creating robust, multifunctional AUVs that can have multiple applications, including environmental remediation. Coral reefs around the world are facing unprecedented threats from plastic waste pollution. The ongoing degradation of coral reefs is a pressing environmental issue, as these ecosystems are vital for marine biodiversity. To tackle this challenge, our goal is to design and develop an Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) that can monitor coral reef environments and remove pollutants before they can cause more harm. By creating a robot capable of cleaning reefs efficiently and independently, we aim to significantly improve the pace and effectiveness of coral reef conservation efforts, ultimately protecting marine life and promoting healthier ocean ecosystems.
Our robot will be built with a primary focus on autonomy, meaning it will be able to navigate underwater without human intervention, utilizing sensors for accurate navigation. Additionally, it will have robust manipulation and sensing capabilities to interact with objects and collect trash effectively. The goal is to develop a design that mimics the efficiency and movements found in nature, creating a design that can move smoothly traverse underwater terrain.
In addition, our sponsor Dr. Sherif Hassaan values the importance of competition-based learning in pushing the boundaries of innovation, so we aim to balance our design goals with the technical requirements of the international RoboSub Competition, a contest which challenges teams to develop autonomous vehicles capable of performing specific underwater tasks. By participating, we will hone our technical skills and develop a solution that not only meets the competition’s requirements but also addresses the real-world problem of reef pollution
Goals and Objectives:
The main objective of this team is to establish UC Irvine’s first-ever RoboSub team, establishing the foundations for future members to build off of. After establishing this foundation, the ultimate goal would be to be one of the top teams competing in the International RoboSub Competition.
Our current objectives and timeline are broken down below:
February 2025:
- Deliver Preliminary Design Review to stakeholders
- Establish Bill of Materials (BOM) for submarine avionics
- Establish BOM of raw materials for manufacturing
March 2025:
- Complete Detailed Design of all AUV Mark I subsystems
- Manufacture Torpedo Launch System Proof of Concept for demonstration
- Manufacture Gripper Claw Mechanism Proof of Concept for demonstration
- Manufacture Frame and Propulsion Proof of Concept for demonstration
April 2025:
- Manufacture final Frame and Shell Proof of Concept for demonstration
- Calibrate Autopilot and Object Detection software
- Refine Detailed Design of AUV Mark I based on verification of Proof of Concepts
- Obtain all BOM items for final manufacturing
May 2025:
- Manufacturing of remaining AUV subsystems
- Testing and evaluation of subsystems
June 2025:
- Complete AUV Mark I
- Deliver final Technical Design Presentation to stakeholders
- Publish Design Documentation
More Information:
Our project is built on the intersection of multiple engineering disciplines. These include mechanical structure design, propulsion, electrical hardware layout, and software development. In addition, our project requires knowledge of the interconnection between these areas. This will ensure the development of a viable working solution that meets the needs of the RoboSub competition requirements and our sponsor’s ideal vision of an AUV that will aid in ocean ecosystem research and health management.
Subsystems:
Mechanical
Responsible for the structural design, hydrodynamic performance, and waterproofing of the RoboSub. Designing and fabricating a lightweight and durable frame that houses all components while minimizing drag. Optimizes the buoyancy and weight distribution of the robot to maintain stability and maneuverability underwater.
Electrical
Responsible for power distribution and signal processing within the RoboSub. This includes managing battery systems, voltage regulation, and power efficiency. Integrates various sensors and establishes electrical connections between all components, allowing for data transfer. Ensures that electrical hardware can withstand underwater conditions.
Software
Responsible for all coding, abstraction, and simulation testing for the RoboSub, allowing it to perceive, navigate autonomously, and complete tasks. This includes object detection and recognition using underwater cameras, input processing, and AI-driven decision-making to execute competition tasks. Allows the vehicle to operate independently based on predefined objectives.
Controls
Responsible for all system monitoring and regulation. Works on the integration between software and hardware applications for the RoboSub ensures that the code can control the external parts of the vehicle precisely. Additionally, the code actuates any feedback the sensors give to ensure the RoboSub is fully autonomous.
Preliminary Design Reports:
Team Contact
Team Lead - Ozzy Sanchez-Aldana - ozzys@uci.edu
Technical Lead - Hailey Choi - haileyc2@uci.edu
Sponsor/Advisor:
Dr. Sherif Hassaan - shassaan@uci.edu
