RobotX Team Prepares for Maritime Challenge
UoN students are preparing to compete with international teams at the RobotX Maritime Challenge in Singapore.
Students from the University of Newcastle have formed one of only three Australian teams who have been chosen to compete in the inaugural Maritime RobotX Challenge (RobotX), which will be held in October, 2014 in Singapore.
Sponsored by the U.S. Office of Naval Research and run by the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI), the Challenge involves teams of university students from five Pacific Rim countries – U.S., Singapore, Australia, South Korea and Japan.
The teams have been provided with an unpowered and unplugged version of the 16' WAM-V® (Wave Adaptive Modular Vessel) along with a grant to build a battery-powered propulsion system.
Teams will then have to outfit it with sensors, computers and software so the boat can complete a course based on a variety of maritime surface vehicle missions.
The University of Newcastle's team consists of undergraduate and postgraduate students, primarily from mechatronics engineering.
As the only team from NSW, they are looking forward to representing the state at this exciting event and to the unique challenges and learning experiences along the way.
"Most companies have no idea what Mechatronics is or what we are capable of, this makes it hard for graduates to find jobs.
"I want to build some industry awareness of Mechatronics through this project. Hopefully it will mean better job prospects for graduates, more innovation within industry and funding for future projects," said Nicolas, the Hull Mechanical and Electrical team leader.
Head to their website to find out more about the team and the sponsorship opportunities available.
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The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.