Autonomous Boat Week 7 Update

It’s week 7 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 a closeup of the unfinished wiring on the electronics system. Major progress has been made by this subteam as every part of the boat can autonomously be controlled. The mechanical design team is still working to put a top on the boat. The last step is to integrate the air intake and exhaust air channels. 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
-Custom air intake and exhaust ducts
-Finish mounting throttle actuator control (used to kill the engine if necessary)
-Custom battery mount plate

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 next week

Energy Storage & Consumption
-Exploring custom fuel bladder options for Atlantic trip (future)
-Possibly consider putting solar panels on for Atlantic trip (future)

Design and Research / Other
-Continued investigation into possible sponsorships and outreach opportunities
-Partnership with Creaform to provide exposure for their company
-Aggressive media outreach strategy is going to start shortly