aQuatonomous, a blend of the words “aqua,” “Queen’s,” and “autonomous” is an undergratuate student design team at Smith Engineering.
We build smart, sustainable robotic boats—called autonomous surface vehicles—to compete in the annual RoboBoat competition.
The newest additions to our record are highlighted here. Visit the full achievements page for our broader milestones and awards.
aQuatonomous earned a podium finish at RoboBoat 2026, marking a major step forward for the team on the international stage.
Our RoboBoat 2026 result also made aQuatonomous the highest-placing team from North America in the competition.
Our team is built on innovation, sustainability, and education. In our inaugural year, we've sparked a movement of engineering students from diverse backgrounds, all passionate about maritime autonomy, ocean protection, and friendly competition.
Focused on developing autonomous surface vehicles (ASVs), the team aims to advance sustainable maritime technology and ecological research.
Founded in 2023, the team has grown to 100+ members across diverse disciplines, uniting expertise in mechanical, electrical, ecological, business, and AI-driven autonomy.
The ASV supports environmental monitoring, sustainability, and water research, aiding scientists with advanced data collection for ecosystem preservation.
Students gain real-world experience in autonomous technology, with first-years included early for professional growth in fields like engineering, programming, and ecological studies.
The team prioritizes Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Indigeneity (EDII), fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment while engaging in impactful outreach initiatives.
The team annually competes in the international RoboNation RoboBoat competition, showcasing cutting-edge ASV technology on a global stage to advance sustainable maritime solutions.
Interested in sponsoring or joining our team? Get in touch — we’d love to hear from you!
