WhaleTech: Technical Report

This 25-page report, from North Paulding High School, describes the design and construction of the underwater remotely operated vehicle (ROV) created by the WhaleTech Robotics team for the Ranger Class of the 2023 MATE ROV competition. MATE ROV is a global competition that challenges STEM students to build underwater ROVs to complete challenges. The competition is split into the following classes based on build complexity: Explorer, Ranger, Pioneer, Navigator, and Scout.

The report begins with an abstract introducing WhaleTech Robotics and their ROV. Next, the engineering design rationale section provides an overview of the ROV design evolution, mechanical design decisions, and testing and troubleshooting techniques. The report then goes over different aspects of the design and construction of the ROV, including mechanical components, the electrical system, software infrastructure, code management, and ROV tools (air bag, eDNA extraction device, coral modeler, etc.). Also covered are different aspects of safety (safety philosophy, training, etc.), project management, budget and project costing, challenges, and lessons learned. Acknowledgments, references, and the following appendices are included: Operations and Safety Checklist, Software Schematic, ROV Schematic, and Project Costing for 2022-2023 ROV Build.

Manuals for each competition class and technical reports from other teams are available to view separately.