Introduction

For conducting effective research in underwater ecosystems without human intervention, an Underwater Vehicle (UV) is essential. This project aims to design and develop a 2-DOF UV capable of precise navigation by tracking underwater objects. Movements are controlled using bilge pumps and propellers. It is manually controlled using a remote.

Understanding the Design

We have chosen a cylindrical body with spherical ends because it is aerodynamically efficient (reduces drag) and is generally used in submarines. To make it waterproof at the ends and for easy assembly and disassembly, we have provided threading on both sides. We have placed the motors at the end (for surge) as the battery is in the front, and the weight will be balanced. First, we planned to keep only one motor at the bottom (which we later changed) for the heave motion.

Fig. 2 Adding Electronics and Other Components

Fig. 4 Placing the other components in their proper positions

Fig. 5 Final Design with propellers mounted

Design Analysis Using Ansys

As shown in Fig. 6 and 7 from the Ansys analysis, the wake is stable. A stable wake is the region of disturbed flow behind a moving object (such as an aeroplane, ship, or wind turbine) that maintains a predictable, steady pattern rather than breaking down into chaotic turbulence.

Velocity of UV = 0.7 m/s

Documentation

Extended documentation of the project can be found below:

CAD Files, Simulations and Testing: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1c457ursU3BPC1jdq1-e0OfBxJ4OgN0ON
GitHub Repository: https://github.com/Tej36asvi/AUV-Navigation-and-Vision-pipeline

The Team

Mentors

Debarghya Banerjee [Piston]
Shubhang S. Galagali [Piston]
Rishit Prakash [Psiton]
Anagha Hatwar K. R. [Diode]

Mentees

Shreyas Kodancha [Piston]
Tejasvi Karanth [Piston]
R. Sri Harihara Moorthy [Piston]

Report Information

Virtual Expo 2026

ROUV: Remotely Operated Underwater Vehicle

Abstract