Technical Report of the Eastern Edge Robotics Team The Marine Institute of Memorial University 2007 MATE/MTS International Robotics Competition, Explorer Class

Abstract

This report describes the development of the ROV Bartlett, designed and fabricated by the Eastern Edge Robotics Team, Newfoundland & Labrador, Canada. Bartlett was purpose-built for use in the 2007 MATE/MTS International ROV Competition to perform three missions based on the 2007 International Polar Year (IPY) theme. Bartlett has a structural frame of 12.5-mm-thick Lexan™, six (6) orthogonally positioned thrusters providing motion in six degrees of freedom, three (3) tilting, hi-resolution cameras, four (4) variable intensity LED cluster lamps, a waterproof Lexan™ electronics housing and low-compressibility (690 kPa), H-100, “High-load” structural Styrofoam™ encased in fiberglass, forming the flotation. Fiber-optic signal transmission is used in propulsion and tool control, sensor input and video systems. Custom programming using C# incorporates data visualization tools from Dundas Gauge and DirectX. Custom tether is neutrally buoyant in the competition environment. Task-specific tools of original design or application have been fabricated for each mission task. The priority in design was simplicity, low drag, low weight, high efficiency, reliability, and robust materials. The Eastern Edge Robotics Team is a diverse group, comprising 17 students from three academic institutions: Memorial University, the Marine Institute, and the College of the North Atlantic. The polar theme of the 2007 MATE/MTS ROV Competition inspired the team to name their ROV Bartlett after Captain Robert Bartlett, an eminent polar explorer born in the British colony of Newfoundland.