Exploring the Innovative Design of the Mini-bot Submersible with Mars

The Autonomous Robotic Submarine Project (ARVP) at the University of Alberta is a student-led initiative focused on designing, building, and operating autonomous submarines for the RoboSub competition, an international event that challenges teams to develop innovative solutions for underwater robotics. As the latest addition to the team’s fleet, Mini-bot is specifically designed to tackle complex tasks such as navigating through gates, interacting with buoys, and retrieving objects. Mini-bot pushes the limits of engineering by combining cutting-edge technology and precision to meet the rigorous demands of the competition.

The propulsion system is the heart of any autonomous submarine, and Mini-bot is no exception. It requires a propulsion system that is both reliable and agile to meet the demands of the RoboSub competition. One critical component of Mini-bot’s propulsion system is the thruster mounts. These mounts play a crucial role in securely holding the thrusters in place, ensuring they function optimally and provide the necessary thrust for the submarine’s movements. The thruster mounts are essential for the proper alignment of the thrusters, which are responsible for the submarine’s forward motion and precise navigation through the underwater environment.

The Design and Importance of Thruster Mounts

The thruster mounts are attached to the frame of the Mini-bot and must withstand the stresses of continuous propulsion, including vibrations and sudden movements as the submarine performs complex maneuvers. Since these mounts need to secure the thrusters firmly while allowing for adjustments in their positioning, they must be both strong and lightweight.

To achieve the high performance required, the ARVP team has turned to the Mars 5 Ultra 3D printer to produce these high-quality thruster mounts. Using this advanced 3D printing technology, the team can create custom-designed mounts with a high level of precision and durability, perfectly suited for the demands of the underwater environment.

In the past, traditional methods such as CNC machining, casting, and injection molding were commonly used to produce robust components like thruster mounts. However, these techniques have limitations, especially for custom designs. CNC machining can be costly and wasteful, as parts are carved from solid blocks of material, and complex geometries are difficult to achieve. Casting and injection molding can be time-consuming and require expensive molds, which are not ideal for prototyping or small production runs. Moreover, these methods often fail to achieve the precision required for parts that must align perfectly, such as thruster mounts.

How 3D Printing Solves These Challenges

The Mars 5 Ultra 3D printer solves the challenges of traditional manufacturing methods by offering unparalleled design flexibility, allowing the ARVP team to create custom, complex geometries without the need for costly molds or excessive material waste. This precision ensures that the thruster mounts fit tightly and maintain optimal thrust alignment, which is crucial for Mini-bot’s propulsion system. 3D printing also enables rapid prototyping and iteration, allowing the team to quickly test and refine designs without long lead times. Additionally, the Mars 5 Ultra uses rigid photopolymer resins, which eliminate layer lines, making the parts stronger and better able to withstand the forces applied during operation—ideal for the underwater environment. By using 3D printing, the team can save time and costs while producing high-quality, custom parts that meet the exact specifications required for Mini-bot’s performance in the RoboSub competition.

Thanks to the high-quality thruster mounts printed with the Mars 5 Ultra, Mini-bot's propulsion system is both strong and efficient, allowing it to navigate the underwater challenges at RoboSub with ease. The precision and durability of the mounts ensure that the thrusters remain securely attached during high-speed maneuvers and delicate navigation tasks. The Mars 5 Ultra plays a key role in enabling quick design iteration, customization, and the production of parts with the exact fit needed to ensure optimal performance.

Mini-bot is completing the underwater competition task involving the 'buoy'

For more updates on the ARVP team’s progress and the latest in 3D printing technology, be sure to follow us onsocial media and stay tuned for exciting developments ahead!