Diving robot Scubo 2.0 heads to the USA

The diving robot Scubo 2.0 has eight arms and principally comprises software, hardware and a whole host of electronics, as explained by the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich (ETH) in a press release. A long cable is used to power the device. Moreover, it connects the robot with the pilots’ controllers, which enable them to direct the robot. ETH commented that a wireless connection to the robot is not possible, as signals reach only a few meters at depth.

The team of students who developed Scubo 2.0 will become the first Swiss team ever to take part in the MATE international ROV Competition. According to the information available, this is the biggest competition for remote-controlled underwater robots in the world. This year, it will take place in the US state of Tennessee from June 20-22.

Streams and lakes will be the focus of this year's competition. The participating diving robots must be able to pick up objects or drop them off at a specific location from a container. The pilots will control Scubo 2.0 from the waterside. They will observe the area issuing virtual reality goggles via cameras attached to the robot.

For the students, winning the competition is not the priority. ETH student Christian Engler commented: “The competition marks the high point of an exciting project, and we are excited to exchange ideas with like-minded people”.