Autonomous Boat Week 6 Update

It’s week 6 of Spring Quarter and we’re almost finished with fabrication. We are preparing the boat for a launch by the end of June. We have everyone working on their own respective parts and the categories below best summarize the overall group’s effort.

The photo shows this week’s progress made by the mechanical design team to put a top on the boat and cover it up. The last step is to integrate the air intake and exhaust air channels for the boat. The team also needs to integrate the bilge pump into the design of the boat so it can reject water out.

Mechanical Assembly
-Finish covering boat with sheet metal and bolting it down to the frame
-Finish mounting throttle actuator control (used to kill the engine if necessary)
-Custom battery mount

Solidworks
No notable updates

Rudder Assembly
-Rudder system is rebuilt
-Actuator is mounted
-Testing the response from the actuator with the control input

Control Systems
-Electronics to be installed by the end of this week and final testing can take place
-Installing box into boat
-Testing autonomy on campus
-Testing coding and making the actuator work properly

Energy Storage & Consumption
-Exploring custom fuel bladder options for Atlantic trip
-Making sure connection between fuel tank and fuel line is waterproofed

Design and Research / Other
-Continued investigation into possible sponsorships and outreach opportunities
-Partnership with Creaform to provide exposure for their company