1. First water test
We began by proving that a simple platform could float, move, and survive a controlled pool test.
Robot build story
From Scratch to Our Current RoboSub
We started with a simple test platform and built toward a more complete autonomous underwater vehicle through CAD, fabrication, electronics integration, software development, and pool testing.
Build journey
How we got here
Our robot did not appear all at once. We worked through small test rigs, early frame concepts, electronics bring-up, CAD revisions, fabrication, and pool validation.
2. PVC prototype
We built an early body to test camera position, basic structure, wiring paths, and how components fit together.
3. Electronics bring-up
We connected ESCs, thrusters, power, and control hardware on the bench before trusting the system in water.
4. Frame fabrication
We cut and prepared frame pieces so the vehicle could move beyond temporary prototype geometry.
5. Lab assembly
We assembled the current parts, checked clearances, and made the robot easier to service between tests.
6. CAD refinement
We used CAD to capture the current design and guide the next frame, mount, and packaging decisions.
7. Current build
We brought the current robot poolside to evaluate the complete system as a vehicle, not just separate parts.
Phase 0
We started by learning what the water would tell us
Our first platform was intentionally simple. It helped us see how flotation, drag, camera placement, cables, and thrusters behaved in the pool before we committed to a more refined frame.
Prototype foundation
Early structure, camera, and thruster work
These first builds gave us something real to test, break down, and improve.
Electronics and controls
We built the nervous system on the bench first
Before pool testing, we brought up ESCs, thrusters, wiring, compute hardware, and power distribution in the lab. That bench work lets us isolate electrical and control issues before they become water-test problems.
Mechanical development
From cut parts to a serviceable frame
As the robot matured, we shifted from temporary structure to a more intentional frame with better access, mounting, and durability.
Wet test
Pool testing in motion
This wet-test video shows the robot in the water so we can review movement, response, and system behavior between build cycles.
CAD model
We use CAD to make the next build cleaner
The CAD model documents what we have learned from fabrication and pool testing. It helps us plan thruster placement, hull position, electronics access, and future sensor mounts before we cut new parts.
Current system
Where the robot is now
Our current platform brings together the physical frame, propulsion, electronics, and software workflow into a robot we can test as a complete vehicle.
