About Coral Crusaders

  As a tribute to Dr. Sylvia Earle, our first ROV was named after her. As a legendary oceanographer, marine biologist, and environmental advocate she has dedicated her life to ocean conservation, inspiring many to explore and protect marine ecosystems. Naming our first ROV after her was a tribute to her work and a reflection of our mission: using technology to contribute to environmental sustainability and marine research.

Designed for the 2023 MATE ROV Competition, Sylvia Earle had a PVC frame and was equipped with four bilge pump thrusters, two cameras, and interchangeable tools. One of its key features was a downward-facing camera, which helped with underwater surveying and precise navigation. It also had specialized hooks and a tool for safely transporting small aquatic organisms, demonstrating our early focus on innovation.

With Sylvia Earle we won the Pacific Northwest Regional Championship and qualify for the MATE World Championships in our rookie year.

  Spooky Jobs was our second ROV, marking a major leap forward in design and capability. The name came from its distinctive color scheme, which resembled a orange and black Halloween aesthetic.

Spooky Jobs was built from the ground up with a custom ABS plastic chassis, six high-thrust T200 thrusters, and a fully digital onboard control system. These improvements significantly enhanced speed, maneuverability, and precision, making it highly effective for underwater conservation tasks. It featured two HD IP cameras for improved visibility, an adaptable gripper for object manipulation, and a modular frame that allowed for quick tool changes.

This ROV also introduced an advanced buoyancy system, calculated using CAD modeling to ensure stability and precise movement. Additionally, we implemented a pressure-tested electronics enclosure, a pneumatic claw, and a responsive control system for smoother operation. Spooky Jobs was capable of coral transplantation, underwater mapping, and environmental monitoring, demonstrating our growing expertise in robotics and conservation technology.

Like its predecessor, Spooky Jobs helped us secure a spot at the MATE ROV World Championships for the second consecutive year. It represented our growth as a team, our increasing technical knowledge, and our commitment to designing ROVs that can tackle real-world environmental challenges.