310: Submersible Vehicle Kit (Multidisciplinary Team)

We designed and built a submersible vehicle kit to inspire middle and high school students in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) education. We aimed to create an affordable and easy-to-use kit that taught students about engineering concepts like floating, movement control and programming. The Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City sponsored our project in partnership with SparkFun and Experiential Robotics, which provided hardware and software support.

We built the vehicle for freshwater environments, enabling it to dive up to 20 feet and stay stable while moving underwater. The kit included a tethered power and control system, a live camera feed for real-time underwater viewing and a user-friendly control interface with a standard game controller. We used PVC pipes to help it float, waterproof LEDs and a modular camera system, making it durable and easy to assemble.

Our final prototype performed reliably, matching or surpassing the performance of other educational submersible kits like SeaPerch. Key features included depth control, video feedback and customizable assembly options, allowing students to learn through hands-on experience. The kit stayed within its $500 budget, making it affordable for students and teachers.

This project demonstrated how budget-friendly engineering kits can make learning technical concepts fun and interactive. By combining classroom lessons with practical use, our submersible vehicle kit helped students explore engineering and robotics, supporting STEM education.