Achelous: Technical Report

This 22-page report, published by Pensacola Catholic High School, describes the design and construction of the underwater remotely operated vehicle (ROV) created by the Achelous 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 the Achelous Team and their ROV followed by a discussion of scheduling, team organization, and team member responsibility. The design rationale section provides an overview of the design and construction of the team's ROV, highlighting the design process, ROV frame, watertight enclosure, electronic design, and more. Also focusing on the ROV, information is included on the ROV's video system, software, and tools used to complete each of the three 2023 MATE ROV mission tasks. Next, the report includes aspects of safety (lab protocol, ROV safety features, etc.), finances, testing and troubleshooting, decisions around building and buying parts, challenges, lessons learned, and references. The report includes a system integration diagram (SID), a budget table, and a project costs table.

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