Project Scope
Design and build an autonomous ROV with reliable propulsion, lighting, and image capture.
Project Considerations
- Every wire penetration into the hull is a leak path
- Visibility in low light underwater
- Must be neutrally buoyant for still image capture
- Topside control with autopilot features
Design Solution
- Frame designed for CNC routing
- Four Blue Robotics T200 thrusters on basic ESCs
- Pair of Blue Robotics Lumen lights
- Neutrally buoyant tether carrying power and control topside
Assembled Project
- HDPE frame CNC-routed and assembled with "dogbone" square nuts
- Raspberry Pi running ArduPilot Sub talking to a Pixhawk flight controller onboard
Project Summary
This was a high school independent study project. The goal was to build an underwater vehicle to survey the lakebed near Grand Haven Michigan's lighthouse. Initially the team used a CO2 laser and cardboard to quickly mock up various frame styles. The laser was also used to engrave the "Black Box" project logo into the aluminum battery tube cap. Ultimately the frame was designed with CNC routing in mind, which informed the use of "dogbone" style joints and flat-pack parts. Four Blue Robotics T200 thrusters handle propulsion and a pair of Lumen lights cover visibility underwater. A neutrally buoyant tether carries the control signals from the topside interface to a Raspberry Pi and Pixhawk in the ROV.
Laser-Engraved Logo
