⚙️Mechanical
The mechanical team is responsible for creating a buoyant and stable ASV hull, and designing the propulsion system. The hull must comply with Roboboat competition rules: no more than six feet in length, four feet in width, and no heavier than 75 lbs. They also ensure that all components used by other teams are waterproof, ready for in-water testing.
Additionally, they design a simple transport cart for the hull, often in a quick hackathon session of just three hours!
⚡Electrical
The electrical team focuses on designing an efficient sensor suite while minimizing costs, integrating the payload computer with onboard sensors, and implementing a robust e-stop safety system with both physical and remote access. They also design and implement custom PCBs to manage battery usage and ensure proper, safe power distribution across the boat.
On top of that, they collaborate with the mechanical team to ensure smooth motor control for propulsion.
🧠Software
The software team is in charge of all things on the computer, including simulation, mapping, computer vision, and navigation and control. Their job is to make sure the boat can drive itself reliably, both in competition and during ecological testing and demonstrations.
Since no map is provided at RoboBoat, the ASV must generate its own in real time from a custom sensor suite built with the electrical team. That data feeds path and behavior planning, from methods like A*, PID control, and rule-based logic toward more adaptive decision-making. The team also maintains the ROS-based infrastructure, telemetry, and MAVROS/Pixhawk firmware that tie perception, autonomy, and actuation together.
🧭NAVIS
aQuaNAVIS, the Naval Autonomous Vessel Innovation School, is a hands-on, course-based program that aims to provide first- and second-year students with a basic understanding of autonomous marine systems. By gaining hands-on experience with Linux, ROS, robotics algorithms, sensors, and naval architecture, new members of aQuatonomous can develop the necessary skills to progress within the team.
Additionally, NAVIS is incharge of outreach to community member and setting up opportunities for young students in the greater Kingston area to accessable access to robotics.
🪸Ecological Sciences and Water Research
The Ecological Sciences and Water Research team anchors the project in environmental relevance by designing research questions and collecting meaningful aquatic data.
Leveraging the ASV’s sensor payload, they investigate topics such as pollution, water quality, and ecological patterns in Lake Ontario. Their insights guide sensor selection, field deployment, and reinforce the team’s commitment to sustainability-driven innovation.
💼Business
The Business team drives the sustainability and visibility of aQuatonomous through sponsorship outreach, budget planning, and strategic communication. From crafting compelling grant applications like those for the Sustainable Action Fund to organizing public engagement initiatives, this team ensures the project's long-term impact and community alignment.
The business team ultimately supports both the team's technical ambitions and its environmental mission.
