CMU Robotics Institute Robot Boat Project

Overview
The goal of the robot boat project is to develop an autonomous system for long-term offshore voyages.  Applications for such a vessel include oceanography, meteorology and other marine sciences.  We imagine a small, inexpensive, solar-powered boat equipped with onboard computers, scientific instruments, GPS, and a satellite data link.  Such a system would be of great value in long-duration scientific research such as climate studies, fisheries research and marine biology.
 

Progress
Our first prototype was a 5 foot, sail-powered robot.  This robot is equipped with a real-time computer system, radio modem, electronic compass, and GPS.  It has sensors for wind direction and hull speed, and servo motors to control rudder and sail position.  Although too small for any real application, this robot provided a good testbed and was sailed successfully on local lakes under full computer control.

The second prototype is powered by solar panels and a high-efficiency electric drive.  This robot, which has just completed its first test voyage, is 15.5 feet long and will be capable of short offshore voyages in moderate weather.  We hope to achieve an average speed of 4 knots using solar panels to charge a battery bank.  Actual speed will be governed by solar conditions and available battery charge.  On cloudy days, for example, average boat speed may be reduced to 2 knots.  In any case, 24-hour operation will be the norm and daily passages of over 50 miles should be typical.

Eventually, we plan to build a robot capable of long-term (months or years) voyages in remote ocean areas.  This robot will collect data, perform experiments, and report back to its controllers at regular intervals over a satellite data connection.  Controllers will be able to gather scientific data practically in real-time and will be able to redirect the robot to investigate new areas of interest as needed.

We believe that these robots can provide a valuable contribution to offshore scientific research in a number of fields.  Additionally, they will serve as useful testbeds for research in the field of long-term autonomous robotics and will pave the way for more sophisticated ocean robots such as rescue vessels and patrol boats.

More images of boat construction progress can be found here.
More images of the maiden voyage can be found here.

Questions about this project can be directed to:
        Bill Ross
        Project Manager
        CMU Robotics

Email: br@cs.cmu.edu