High-Efficiency Marine Engineering

WATER GAME ROBOT

VEX motor powered floating robot involving gear ratios and circuits.

MIT DESIGN VEX ROBOTC
1:48
High-Torque Ratio
MIT
Propeller Profile
1ft³
Compact Frame
360°
Vector Control

// 3D_MODEL

// GALLERY

Prototype front view
Buoyancy bottle mounts
Chain drive close-up
Code

// GOAL

Create a robot that floats, maneuvers in water, and pushes an opponent into a wall before being pushed into one. Build fits within a 1-foot cube; electronics are ≥1.5" above the water.

// DESIGN_HIGHLIGHTS

  • Two in-water props driven via chain from geared motor clusters
  • High gear ratio (1:48) for prop RPM
  • Lightweight frame + bottle buoyancy
  • Differential control for tight turning
  • High efficiency propeller design from MIT
  • Variable speed for each propeller including direction changes

// ITERATION_NOTES

  • Buoyancy trim with an aft bottle solved pitch issues
  • Hot-glued enclosure added sealed air volume
  • Gear cracked due to high torque
  • High tension on chain leading to gears getting stuck on axles

// SLIDES