Discovering New Horizons

• Fall Poster
• Winter Poster
• Spring Poster

• Fall Peer Review
• Winter Peer Review
• Spring Peer Review

Background

The intent of this project and competing in the Microtransat Challenge is to push the envelope of engineering capabilities and succeed where even the US Navy has tried and failed. In doing so, team members and students that are a part from this project will have the opportunity to participate in the development of groundbreaking new technology that will lean heavily on requirements of skill and creativity to get the most out of the technology.

Nobody has ever successfully completed the trans-Atlantic journey in an unmanned, completely autonomous boat. We want to put UCI on the map by becoming the first group to successfully complete this feat.

Goal and Objectives

The goal of the UCI Autonomous Boat project is to build and design an autonomous boat that can navigate on the open ocean and compete in the Microtransat Challenge with the stated goal of successfully crossing the Atlantic Ocean from Newfoundland to Ireland without human input. As no one has successfully completed the competition, this project will require the most advanced engineering as to withstand the challenges faced by small boats on the open ocean.

Innovation

Unlike other vessels that have attempted to make the journey across the Atlantic, we want to design a vessel that has both diesel and solar power on board. Three propellers will power the craft; one being from the diesel engine, and two being from the solar panels. The solar panels will also be responsible for powering onboard computer systems and keeping batteries charged so the boat can keep running throughout the night. This is something that has not been done before and we hope to be the first to do so.

The Bigger Picture

The objective of the UCI Autonomous Boat project is to work together as a team and expand our engineering capabilities to reach new heights in engineering achievements and equipment durability. We will also strive to create a learning environment where each and every individual idea is put forward and discussed by the team. Our goal is to gain the experience and willingness to complete a challenge that will allow us to develop our skillset for real world application.

Timeline

Budget

Subsystem Breakdown

none

• Fall Team Roster
• Winter Team Roster
• Spring Team Roster

Initial Project Information

• Project ID#

  MAE0083

• Course Code

  19272

• Project Type

  Student Innovation

• Field of Interest

  Robotics, Control, Fluid Dynamics

• Description

  The objective of this project is to build a robotic boat that can successfully navigate long distances on the open ocean completely autonomously, while overcoming obstacles such as weather, currents, etc.

• Maximum Number of Students

  tbd

• Requirements

  contact advisor

• Additional Information

  1 unit fall, 2 units winter, 1 unit spring

• Contact Method

  email advisor