ROV Part 1: Build, Balance, and Explore

ROV Workshop Series

Day 1: Build, Balance, and Explore

Today you will learn how ROVs are used in the real world and begin working like an underwater robotics team. After watching short videos of ROVs in ocean research and underwater inspection, you will head to the pool to prepare, test, and improve your own ROV.

In teams, you will carefully install the camera, adjust buoyancy, and build a front tool to help your ROV complete underwater tasks. You will test your design in the pool, solve problems as they come up, and make changes to improve performance.

Driving Question

What kinds of underwater jobs are better for a robot than for a person?

Objectives

  • Learn how ROVs are used for research, inspection, and underwater work

  • Work as a team to prepare and improve an ROV

  • Adjust buoyancy to help the ROV move more effectively

  • Build a front tool for underwater tasks

  • Complete a series of pool missions using teamwork and problem-solving

Materials

  • ROV

  • Camera

  • Pool noodles

  • Tape

  • Scissors

  • Zip ties

  • 1/2″ PVC pieces

  • 3D printed hooks or grappling tools

  • Pool challenge objects

Activity Steps

Watch short videos showing how ROVs are used in real life. Share ideas about what underwater jobs a robot can do that would be difficult, dangerous, or impossible for a person.

Move to the pool and find your team’s numbered ROV station. Inspect your ROV and materials before beginning.

Install the camera carefully. Pay close attention to the wire and handle it gently.

Adjust buoyancy so your ROV is better balanced in the water. Test it, observe what happens, and make changes as needed.

Build a front tool using PVC and other materials. Your tool should help your ROV complete underwater challenges.

Test your ROV in the pool and work through the challenge sequence with your team.

Day 1 Challenges

  • Make your ROV as close to neutrally buoyant as possible

  • Explore the pool using the camera and your view from the edge

  • Retrieve a dive ring two times

  • Move the ring to a new location and retrieve it again

  • Retrieve a weighted plastic bottle

  • Catch 3 fish, bring them to the surface, and return them

  • Work with another team to rescue a neighbor’s ROV

Think Like an Engineer

  • What is working well?

  • What needs to change?

  • Is your ROV balanced?

  • Is your tool helping with the challenge?

  • What should your team improve before the next test?

Day 1 printable handout link

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