GOAL: Team members will utilize an understanding of engineering disciplines to complete and validate specified subsystems/functions to prepare BlueROV for RoboSub 2026 and future RobotX competitions.
System decomposition used to examine subsystems/functions by identifying all underlying/fundamental requirements.
Expected Due Dates for completion (barring further testing, revision, and delays) listed. This list was created by selecting the subsystems/functions that will best prepare BlueROV for RoboSub 2026 and future RobotX competitions and building a timeline backwards from 05/26 to the present.
Tasks scourced from https://robonation.gitbook.io/robosub-resources/section-3-autonomy-challenge/3.2-task-descriptions (2026)
Subsystems should be designed to be easily removable
- Weight target ≤ 22 kg, require ≤ 38 kg
- Size require 3 ft x 3 ft x 6 ft
1. RobotX/Sub Competition Compliance (9/25/26)
- Emergency Stop System (kill switch to disconnect the batteries from all propulsion components)
- Button, lever, switch… use RoboSub magnet system?
- Wire [how?]
- Mount to frame, facing upward or accessible by diver in water and at all other times
- RobotX “Vehicle Kill systems” Safety Checklist 2026
- Are they correctly placed for ease of access?
- Do on-board Kill Switches function as required?
- Does the Remote Kill Switch function as required?
- Does the system revert to a killed condition when the remote transmitter loses link?
- Verify tele-operation link (remote control)
- Status Light
- Harness/sling attachment points
- Attempt to copy rough attachment point geometry from old sub and adjust as necessary, preserving sturdy mounting points on the BlueROV frame
- RobotX “Vehicle Kill systems” Safety Checklist 2026
- Does the vehicle (USV and UUV only) have a clearly marked forward and/or aft tow line?
- Does the vehicle (USV and UUV only) have a clearly identified lift point?
- Do the USV and UUV have appropriate lifting harnesses?
2. Surroundings Sensing and Computing (9/25/26)
- Additional Compute Modules
- [list additional modules needed for processing here]
- Sensors/Cameras (all inputs)
- Downward facing camera
- Sonoptix
- Hydrophone array for pinger?
- BlueROV camera a sufficient “front camera”?
- [list additional sensors here]
- For object claw, (below) pressure sensor?
3. Dropper Subsystem (MM/DD/YY)
- Marker and underwater servo housing
- Select underwater servo
- Cable management
- Mounting to main frame; position near downward facing camera
- Markers
- Marker weight
- Case for markers and backups (manufacture 12 markers total, 2 for use in a competition run and 10 backups)
4. Pipeline Light Magnetic Interaction Subsystem (MM/DD/YY)
- Select magnet (consider strength vs size and weight—how do most teams do this?)
- Also consider magnet shape
- Magnet pole
- Mount magnet on its pole/arm
- Mounting to main frame; position near downward facing camera
- Stationary or retracting/folding? This should be easily removable
- If articulated/released, consider sharing a motor with the Dropper Subsystem