When you think of a robot, you might think of one with wheels, tracks, or even legs. But today’s robots are as likely to have wings, props, or even some way to propel it through the water. If you are bored with quadcopters and want to build a water-going robot, you should check out Jalcboat, an open source robot/boat. Although the project is under development, the videos (see below) show that they’ve made a good bit of progress.
As you might expect, 3D printing is a key ingredient and the files are available on Thingiverse linked above. In addition, the robotic boat has a Raspberry Pi onboard to control brushless motors. The main web site is more of a discussion forum and some of it is in Spanish, so you might want to keep Google translate handy.
Another simple way to create a water-capable robot is to start with an RC toy. However, Jalcboat already has modifications for things like seaweed-resistant screws, which will be harder to achieve on a hacked toy. We love the look of the inner tube wearing bot, but 3D Printing can also yield something flashier.
Winter is coming. But will be a good use of indoor time to work up a water robot for next summer. Or you can terrorize your local indoor waterpark if it’s completed sooner.
I love it. But looking at the brushless motors and mounts, I’m not understanding how they are made waterproof.
They are naturally waterproof, The ESC are the one needed to be waterproof
I watched that video and I immediately thought, ‘What a great safety device for public beaches.’ A beach resort community could have a hundred or so larger versions of these floating around autonomously in some pre-defined area ready, perhaps under the remote control of some lifeguard, to come to the aid of distressed swimmers. I’m not sure how they’d be powered though.
Ocean currents would leave these useless. You’d need a gas powered version to be of use…then it’s a safety concern.
Yea, maybe. I don’t know much about ocean currents and such. How much energy do you figure it would it need to just maintain a given position?
Well if it could drop an anchor, it would need no energy
Look up E.M.I.L.Y. – it’s a “robot lifeguard” that’s been around for a couple of years. It’s powerful enough to get through riptides, carry a swimmer back to shore and can reach speeds up to 22mph! A brilliant invention.
I want one to drag a pool vacuum and cleaning sponge around my pool in the morning.
The folks at iRobot already took care of this for you. Basically a “pool Roomba”. ;)
Also known as a Poomba? B^)
Sarge: And what in sam hell is a puma?
Simmons: You mean like the shoe company?
Grif: No, I mean like a puma. It’s a giant cat.
Sarge: You’re making that up.
Here’s an autonomous robot I built a few years ago that skims the pool surface.
http://stevepalmieri.com/uploads/3/6/6/0/3660429/swimmer_essay.pdf
I got one of the autoroving pool robots from Hayward, just need something that can wipe the sides to loosen the algae.
Just when we thought it was safe to go into the water.
Al Williams, are you a stark?
Why not just put the payload from this project http://hackaday.com/2015/10/02/party-balloon-crosses-atlantic-tours-europe-phones-home/ in a tube and toss it into the ocean, it would be interesting to track where it goes.