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A student team gained valuable STEM experience by developing an underwater remote operated vehicle using commercially available industrial-grade components. Industrial Devices Used in STEM Project A student team gained valuable STEM experience by developing an underwater remote operated vehicle using commercially available industrial-grade components. Geoff Gardener, North Paulding High School Cool Stuff Jul 9, 2025 Exploration of both the deep sea and of outer space share a lot in common. Both are extremely unforgiving environments where it is very expensive to create manned vehicles to carry out missions. As automation has become more capable, robotics and unmanned remote operated vehicles (ROVs) are used to execute much of this work. Underwater ROVs operate in challenging environments, which means that industrial-grade automation products are a natural fit to support these designs. Although, ROVs are controlled remotely by human operators, most have some degree of on-board automation, combining mechanical, automation, and other skillsets. To develop young talent to support this field, Monterey Peninsula College—via a grant from the U.S. National Science Foundation—has established a program called the Marine Advanced Technology Education (MATE) Center. MATE promotes marine engineering by inspiring and challenging students to learn and creatively apply STEM skills for solving real-world problems. Part of the program is the MATE ROV Competition, which offers five different contest classes, each based primarily on skill and not strictly by age group. At North Paulding High School in Dallas, GA, a number of students make up the “WhaleTech” team. Some of them have participated up to seven consecutive years, starting in middle school. Each year, the competition organizer publishes challenges and mock mission profiles simulating real-life conditions, with various restrictions. For example: dive to a pipeline simulation at a given depth, strategically remove a “bad” pipe segment, replace it with a new section, and bring the bad portion to the surface. The team builds a ROV to meet those challenges, and along the way they must act and present themselves as a professional company by developing technical documentation, conducting research, and selecting products. Throughout the process, the team must learn and follow safe practices, assemble and test the ROV and subcomponents, and even do a bit of marketing. The Details Many ROVs look a lot like aerial drones, with propellers arranged to provide thrust in various directions. Just as aerial drones use propellers to provide constant lift and control motion, an underwater ROV does the same, but it can also use an additional mechanism to adjust its buoyancy. Cameras and lights are common on ROVs, and many also have robotic arms and manipulators to perform tasks. Many of the monitoring and control needs mirror the types of functionalities needed by industrial automation control systems. AutomationDirect has a long history of supporting student STEM efforts, and this underwater ROV project exemplifies just how important it is for industry to support education. For the 2024 competition, the WhaleTech team needed to develop a well-controlled ROV with an extensible gripper. The buoyancy mechanism, gripper, cameras, propellers, and other components would need to be supported and arranged in a chassis, which meant that some design effort would have to be in parallel and iterative to achieve the functionality and create an integrated form factor. As part of the process, the team used cardboard mockups and 3D printing, and then they created many structural elements cut out from high density polyethylene (HDPE). The buoyancy engine is used to actively alter the buoyancy of the vehicle so the ROV can rise, descend, or stay at a fixed depth (Figure 1). A sealed cylinder compresses the fixed air volume, displacing it with water, which results in changing the overall density of the apparatus. Figure 1: The buoyancy engine consists of a specially modified pneumatic cylinder, driven by a stepper motor and an AutomationDirect SureStep stepper drive, to provide accurate control with minimal power consumption. (Photo courtesy of North Paulding High School.) After selecting an industrial-grade cylinder, the team needed a powerful yet controllable way to actuate the piston portion via a linear screw drive mechanism. After some trial and error, and investigation of technologies readily available from AutomationDirect, the team found that a stepper motor could do the job admirably. A stepper motor can continuously turn in either direction and be commanded in increments as small as 1.8 degrees per step, driven by an AutomationDirect SureStep stepper drive commanded by an Arduino nano. A stepper motor draws no power when idle, it works well within the available power budget, and there is no rebound when the target position is achieved. The buoyancy engine is also outfitted with a pressure sensor used to store depth data into the on-board computer, and a wireless transmitter to communicate this information to the surface computer for a graph display when the ROV surfaces. Similarly, the gripper assembly incorporates an AutomationDirect SureStep rotary stepper motor driving a screw shaft to provide the motion required to extend or retract a mechanism, which in turn opens or closes the gripper (Figure 2). Because this assembly must articulate, it is connected to the controller using a watertight flexible cable. Figure 2: The WhaleTech project team found the right cable assembly for the gripper by researching the AutomationDirect catalog where they found cut-to-length cable solutions that met their technical needs. (Photo courtesy of North Paulding High School.) In previous competitions, the team had experienced issues with umbilical cables—running from the ROV to the surface—that were not flexible enough to allow precise movements in the water, or were insufficiently shielded and therefore susceptible to electromagnetic interference (EMI). To solve these issues, the team researched cables on the AutomationDirect website and found products with better flexibility and improved resistance to electrical noise. Further, the team occasionally used AutomationDirect’s phone support to iron out details. As a result of their design and execution efforts, the WhaleTech team won first place in the Ranger class of the 2024 MATE ROV Competition. While some members are graduating and moving on to new work and educational endeavors, a new crew will assemble next year and work to build upon their successes. Previous Facebook LinkedIn Copy link Next

Article Archive Jul 8, 2025 Here's How Jurassic World Rebirth Captured the Nostalgia of Film Using Kodak film and Panavision lenses, director Gareth Edwards sought to capture the magic of Spielberg's original vision. Read More Jul 9, 2025 Stepper Motor Design Challenges for Space Flight Applications Space flight is challenging enough without having to worry about the operational limitations of the components used in the devices going to space. Read More Jul 9, 2025 Industrial Devices Used in STEM Project A student team gained valuable STEM experience by developing an underwater remote operated vehicle using commercially available industrial-grade components. Read More Jul 9, 2025 Pump Technology Keeps EV Charging Stations Cool The increase in the number of EVs on the road has also increased the demand for more charging stations, which require high-end components to keep them running cool. 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Subscribe to Entertainment Engineering Subscribe to Entertainment Engineering Subscribe to Entertainment Engineering 1/2 Fluid Power Articles focusing on Accumulators, Actuators, Conductors, Controllers, Cylinders, Filters, Fittings, Hoses, Hydraulic Systems, Pneumatic Systems, Pressure Sensors & Gauges, Pumps, Reservoirs, Temperature Sensors & Gauges, Tubing, Valves, and more. Pump Technology Keeps EV Charging Stations Cool The increase in the number of EVs on the road has also increased the demand for more charging stations, which require high-end components to keep them running cool. Read More Creativity on a Monstrous Scale Entertainment Engineering talks with the best-known and most highly respected special effects companies in the film business to discuss creativity, freedom, and herding cats. Dave Merritt is Model Shop Supervisor at Legacy Effects, and took time out of a very busy day to speak with us. Here is part of that conversation. Read More Hydraulic Gimbal Aids Iron Man’s Motion Control Gimbal suspended from crane controls the motion of Iron Man props during street fight scenes with Iron Man’s nemesis, Iron Monger Read More Pneumatic Guitar Mimics Motion of Human Hand Automated guitar plays more than two dozen songs Read More New Tech for Yachts Subscribe to EE Mag! Interview with Legacy New Tech for Yachts 1/3 Subscribe to Entertainment Engineering Subscribe to Entertainment Engineering Subscribe to Entertainment Engineering 1/2

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Subscribe to Entertainment Engineering Subscribe to Entertainment Engineering Subscribe to Entertainment Engineering 1/2 Electronics Articles focusing on Broadcasting Equipment, Communications Equipment, Control Panels, Controller Cards, PC Boards, Hybrid Circuits, Data Systems, Instrumentation, Microcontrollers, Microphones, Power Conversion, Sound Systems, Speakers & Speaker Systems, and more. Here's How Jurassic World Rebirth Captured the Nostalgia of Film Using Kodak film and Panavision lenses, director Gareth Edwards sought to capture the magic of Spielberg's original vision. Read More Virtual Production Stage for Film Filmmakers and businesses get a creative refuge where they can plan, shoot, edit, score, and finalize projects. Read More Hi-Tech Cameras Used to Shoot TV Drama Japanese drama uses multiple Blackmagic cameras and DaVinci Resolve Studio for grading. Read More iPhone Lenses Used in Film Shoot Van Nuys, California, June 25, 2014—When Sebastian Lindstrom, co-founder of What Took You So Long, and his team journeyed to Liberia for their latest documentary, they employed an iPhone 5s equipped with the iPro Lens System® by Schneider Optics Read More Social Media Engages Recreational Crowd Live production and signage workflow incorporates live social content into lively display screens Read More TED2014 Uses DPA Microphones McCune Audio, full-service technical event specialists, rely on classic 4088s and discreet 4060s to mic guests and props for the renowned conference. Read More iPhone Lenses Used in Film Shoot Van Nuys, California, June 25, 2014—When Sebastian Lindstrom, co-founder of What Took You So Long, and his team journeyed to Liberia for their latest documentary, they employed an iPhone 5s equipped with the iPro Lens System® by Schneider Optics Read More Custom Audio Packages for Musical Masque Sound provides audio for touring production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Read More Stockholm, Sweden Amusement Park Features Synchronized AV System The Gröna Lund Amusement Park recently inaugurated some new rides, including a refurbished “Blå Tåget” ride. Read More Subscribe to EE Mag! Interview with Legacy New Tech for Yachts Subscribe to EE Mag! 1/3 Subscribe to Entertainment Engineering Subscribe to Entertainment Engineering Subscribe to Entertainment Engineering 1/2

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Subscribe to Entertainment Engineering Subscribe to Entertainment Engineering Subscribe to Entertainment Engineering 1/2 Software Articles focusing on Application-Specific, Artificial Intelligence, Computer Aided Design, Computer Aided Engineering, Computer Aided Manufacturing, Computer Graphics Imaging, Controllers, Data Centers, Development Software, Games & Gaming, Manufacturing Execution Systems, Motion Control, Online Development, Operational, Organizational, Production, Productivity Tools, Project Management, Software as a Service, and more. Capturing Ball Speed and Spin Rates with Radar for Live Broadcasts Baseball speed and spin rates will be integrated into app and live broadcasts and used for recruiting. Read More Reimagining Sports Swimwear Software enabled a popular swimwear company to reduce prototyping cycles, increase quality, automate workflows, and streamline collaboration. Read More Custom Software and Touch Screen Technology Used for Wine Tasting Experience A first-of-its-kind interactive digital touch table and software package is custom built for wine tasting. Read More The Wizard of Oz at Sphere in Las Vegas Will Use Google’s AI to Create an Immersive Experience Generative AI will expand scenes and enhance characters Read More Rigging Control Consoles J.R. Clancy expands their rigging control console series to address the entire range of performance venues. Read More Brain-Controlled Flight Simulating brain-controlled flying at the Institute for Flight System Dynamics Read More LightWave 11.5 3D Software Used in Video Games Rogue State turns to LightWave 11.5 3D software to conquer CG dragons for Dracano. Read More Free-to-Play Zombie Stampede Games for iPhones, iPads, and iPod touch are becoming more fun. Read More Interview with Legacy Subscribe to EE Mag! New Tech for Yachts Interview with Legacy 1/3 Subscribe to Entertainment Engineering Subscribe to Entertainment Engineering Subscribe to Entertainment Engineering 1/2

Entertainment Engineering magazine was created as a magazine for engineers. Our goal is to provide technological pieces that provide ideas for tech transfer across all vertical markets from aerospace to semiconductor and from off highway to medical. While providing interesting information, we want engineers to ‘enjoy the ride’, to feel good about their jobs and themselves. And to enjoyably educate themselves along the way. Interview with Legacy Subscribe to Entertainment Engineering New Tech for Yachts Interview with Legacy 1/3 The latest innovative technologies and epic applications Here's How Jurassic World Rebirth Captured the Nostalgia of Film Using Kodak film and Panavision lenses, director Gareth Edwards sought to capture the magic of Spielberg's original vision. Read More Stepper Motor Design Challenges for Space Flight Applications Space flight is challenging enough without having to worry about the operational limitations of the components used in the devices going to space. Read More Industrial Devices Used in STEM Project A student team gained valuable STEM experience by developing an underwater remote operated vehicle using commercially available industrial-grade components. Read More Pump Technology Keeps EV Charging Stations Cool The increase in the number of EVs on the road has also increased the demand for more charging stations, which require high-end components to keep them running cool. Read More Amusement Ride Animatronics with Minimal Maintenance Requirements It’s important to have devices that easily integrate with your present system. Read More Robots Used in Food Preparation, Serving, and Delivery The food and beverage industry is one of the largest and most dynamic sectors globally, with new trends and demands continuously shaping the market. Read More Subscribe to EE Mag! Interview with Legacy New Tech for Yachts Subscribe to EE Mag! 1/3 New Tech for Yachts Subscribe to EE Mag! Interview with Legacy New Tech for Yachts 1/3 Subscribe to Entertainment Engineering Subscribe to Entertainment Engineering Subscribe to Entertainment Engineering 1/2 Past digital issues

It’s important to have devices that easily integrate with your present system. Amusement Ride Animatronics with Minimal Maintenance Requirements It’s important to have devices that easily integrate with your present system. Terry Persun Theme Parks Jul 9, 2025 A well-known theme park required an additional electric actuator and motor that was compatible with the drives and controls it was currently using. The application was to reliably support and move a large and heavy animated prop nearly 280 times per day while providing minimal maintenance requirements. The engineering team from Tolomatic was able use the company’s online sizing software to quickly specify the correct actuator and motor and provide a STEP file to the customer the same day the request arrived. The animated prop moving solution included the Tolomatic B3W electric linear belt drive actuator, which not only fulfilled the customer’s load requirements, but supplied consistent, smooth operation, easy integration using Tolomatic’s “Your Motor Here” program, and provided the long life the customer was looking for. Once selected, the theme park designers were able to use the same motors throughout the park to effortlessly integrate the new attraction into their system. Photo courtesy of Tolomatic The company’s B3W actuators offer a maximum stroke of 100-inches (2.5 meters) with an operating speed of 2.5-3 inches per second (63-76 mm/sec). As a belt drive actuator, the device is capable of accommodating very heavy loads as well as handling high bending moments with consistently smooth operation. The B3W linear belt drive actuators incorporate an enclosed recirculating bearing system eliminating the need for external load guidance. The device comes in three body sizes, incorporates a wide urethane-steel belt that delivers greater thrust with no stretch, and offers strokes up to 574-inches (14,579 mm). Alternate belt materials and extended stroke lengths are available. For more information: Tolomatic Previous Facebook LinkedIn Copy link Next