Slugbotics : Technical Report

This 16-page report, published by the University of California, Santa Cruz, describes the design and construction of Trident, an underwater remotely operated vehicle (ROV). This report was created by Slugbotics, a student group that participated in the 2021 MATE ROV competition's Explorer class. MATE ROV is a global underwater robotics competition for STEM students. The competition includes Explorer, Ranger, Navigator, and Scout classes.

In the report, an abstract introduces the project. The design rationale is then presented, which includes information on the ROV's frame, buoyancy and ballast, propulsion, claw, probe, electronics enclosure, cameras, lights, and control station. The report then considers when the team decided to buy, build, or reuse parts. The safety features, philosophy, and procedures are then highlighted. Project management, scheduling, onboarding, the budget, testing, troubleshooting, challenges, and lessons learned are then considered. Appendices are also provided. 

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