2012 marks the 11th year of the international competition! The event is being held at the YMCA Aquatic & Family Center in Orlando, Florida June 21 - 23, 2012.
What is the MATE ROV Competition?
The Marine Advanced Technology Education (MATE) Center coordinates an international student underwater robotics (remotely operated vehicle or ROV) competition and a network of 21 regional ROV contests that take place across U.S. and in Canada, Hong Kong, Scotland, and Japan. Student teams from upper elementary, middle schools, high schools, home schools, community colleges, universities, and community organizations, such as the Boys and Girls Club and 4-H, participate. The competitions consists of three different "classes" that vary depending on the sophistication of the ROVs and the mission requirements.
In addition to technical skills, the events help students to develop the ability to problem solve, think critically, and work as part of a team. By connecting students with employers and professionals from the workplace, the competitions also expose students to ocean-related career opportunities and help them to see the pathways to those careers.
Please investigate the "Compete" menu above for more information.
What is an ROV?
An ROV, or Remotely Operated Vehicle, is a tethered underwater robot used for many purposes across many industries that operate underwater. ROVs can perform many specialized tasks in industries such as oil and gas, commercial shipping, salvage, ship husbandry, potable water, ocean engineering, video production, scientific research and others.
The International Marine Contractor Association (IMCA) classifies ROVs in the following categories:
- Class I - Observation ROVs - fitted with camera, lights (potentially sonar) and intended only for observation
- Class II - Observation ROVs with Payload Option - Class I with small payload capability and/or a basic manipulator (grabber)
- Class III - Work-Class Vehicles - carries additional sensors or manipulators - larger and more capable than classes I and II
- Class IV - Towed and Bottom-Crawling Vehicles - pulled by surface craft or winch with limited or no self-propulsion, typically designed for a specific task such as cable burial
- Class V - Prototype or Development Vehicles - under development including AUVs or Autonomous Underwater Vehicles
Some ROV tasks include:
- Observation
- Survey
- Inspection
- Construction
- Intervention
- Burial and trenching
The team's ROV didn't qualify but they have a great attitude and a great news article: 