Marine Machines

Marine Machines introduces students to the exciting world of uncrewed water vehicles through hands-on building, experimentation, and exploration. Over two 4-week sessions, students design, build, and operate both underwater and surface-level machines while learning core engineering and marine science concepts.

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Part I: Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs)

Students explore how tethered, uncrewed submarines—called Remotely Operated Vehicles—work and use real tools to build their own small ROVs.

ROVs are widely used to inspect underwater habitats, docks, nets, pipelines, and ships. Some recover lost objects, collect scientific samples, or repair damaged equipment. Operators typically control ROVs using live video feeds, much like a video game, while engineers design them to excel at specific tasks.

Students will experiment with buoyancy, batteries, motors, switches, and basic electronics while measuring, cutting, melting, and gluing components to construct their ROV. Along the way, they’ll discover how advances in batteries and electronics are making ROVs and other water drones more capable than ever.

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Part II: Radio-Controlled Boats

In Part II, students shift to surface-based water drones by designing and building a radio-controlled boat.

Radio-controlled vessels can race across the water to deliver supplies, perform work, or simply have fun. Students learn how radio systems work, how 3D computer-aided design (CAD) and 3D printing create strong, efficient hulls, and how to protect sensitive electronics from seawater. The program culminates in testing their stable, durable boats—and taking the controls themselves.

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Looking Ahead

With enough interest, Marine Machines can be expanded beyond the initial two sessions to include additional challenges, advanced designs, and new missions for both underwater and surface vehicles—allowing returning students to dive deeper into marine engineering and robotics.