Team Unsinkable

Competition Background

RoboSub is an international competition hosted by RoboNation every year in San Diego. The competition consists of students designing and building an autonomous robotic submarine, also known as an Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV). These AUVs mimic real-world systems that are currently deployed for underwater exploration, seafloor mapping, sonar localization, and more. Students of all disciplines are able to gain experience and knowledge in a hands-on, team oriented environment. The deadlines and constraints set within the competition guidelines are similar to that which students may experience in real-world applications within their field.

Team Background

This year, we have started a complete overhaul of the mechanical and software aspects of our RoboSub 2020 platform. Our redesigned sub includes a custom-designed chassis and enclosure assembly, as well as a custom power board. We have acquired a Nvidia Jetson TX2 which will be utilizing TensorRT in order to detect objects accurately and efficiently. Our main onboard computer has been upgraded to an Intel NUC NUC8i7BEH which will be used for controls, tasking, and any other processes. During the redesign, an important goal was to have our platform be modular and expandable. The sensor configuration can be changed easily within a short period of time without affecting other systems on the sub. This allows us to add or remove sensors with ease in response to any scenario that may occur during competition. The sub is expected to be our main platform for the upcoming 2 to 3 years. We will continue developing and adding onto this platform. A second platform is being planned for the 2021 season, but development on this has not yet begun.

Nautilus - Features

• Mechanical

  • 8x BlueRobotics T200 Thrusters

  • Custom Designed Aluminum Enclosure

  • Modular Chassis

• Electrical

  • Custom Power Distribution Board

  • Pixhawk Flight Controller and IMU

  • Intel NUC NUC8i7BEH

  • Nvidia Jetson TX2

  • Leopard Imaging Jetson TX2 Carrier Board

    • 2x 12.3 MegaPixel Cameras

• Software

  • Python 3

  • Tensorflow 1.13.1

  • TensorRT

  • ROS Melodic

  • ArduSub

Meet the Team

Remembering Alexander Bello-Ortiz

1998-2020

Alexander Bello-Ortiz was a cherished member of our Electrical Subteam who unexpectedly passed away on September 7th, 2020. Bello was a senior in the Electrical Engineering program, as well as an Air Force ROTC student, and an Eagle Scout. He will be forever known to be hardworking, motivated, compassionate, and as a person who always brought joy to those around him. Bello will always be remembered and will forever be missed.