Roboboat Image

Sponsored by Dr. Damion Dunlap of the Naval Surface Warfare Center

COE Logo
Second Logo

Project Mentors

Dr. Shayne McConomy

Dr. Shayne McConomy

ME Senior Design Coordinator

Dr. Jerris Hooker

Dr. Jerris Hooker

EE Senior Design Coordinator

Dr. Damion Dunlap

Dr. Damion Dunlap

Sponsor

Abstract

This report provides a detailed outline of the efforts of the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering RoboBoat 2024 team. It covers the development and integration of a strong and accurate navigation system. The RoboBoat competition, an annual event joining teams from across the globe, challenges them to navigate their boats through an obstacle course. The tasks within these courses change each year. The boat hull currently used was an improvement of the FSU Panama City campus' 2019 hull, with reinforcement placed to support weight. The team focused on developing electrical parts, specifically the navigation system, and aimed to make it easier for future teams to use and adjust depending on their needs. The apparatus follows the competition safety standards and has flexible code that works with different sensors and motors. The vehicle is also able to sense and navigate on its own. The code used to operate the boat will be well commented for the future teams to build off. The safety standards call for the boat to have a physical and remote kill button and to waterproof electrical parts. To do this, the team created an on-board kill switch in the form of a big red button. There is another button on a remote control that turns off the power from far away using radio signals. These kill switches instantly shut down all power going to the components throughout the boat in case of emergencies. The rubber seal added around the edges of the hull protects the electrical parts from water. As for the power, two batteries will be providing the charge. Using these components, the boat will navigate precisely to certain spots, identify obstacles ahead, and steer clear of obstacles met along the way.