"ROVs in a Bucket" Contagious, Experiential Learning by Building Inexpensive, Underwater Robots

A remotely operated vehicle (ROV) can be an underwater robot. A simple ROV has been developed that can be built by grade-school children using off-the-shelf and off-the-Internet parts. PVC pipe is used for the frame, bilge pump motors for thrust, and speaker wire transfers power and control information from the switch box to the robot. Soldering is not required. Once constructed, these ROVs are safely powered by 12v car batteries and are small enough to be run inside a 30 gallon trash can or small pool. Parts for the ROV kit can be purchased for under $125 (sans camera and lights). A detailed ROV build manual is available from doug.levin@noaa.gov. The program is an effective delivery tool that links marine science with a host of other, related disciplines.