MATE ROV Competition - Underwater Robotics (11th Place)
Khaled competed in the MATE (Marine Advanced Technology Education) ROV Competition in 2014, a prestigious international underwater robotics contest. As the Designer on the team with a focus on camera systems, he helped build a Remotely Operated Vehicle to complete underwater missions modeled after real ocean industry scenarios. The team achieved 11th place in the RANGER class regional competition in Egypt.
Problem Solved
Designed and integrated camera systems for underwater robot vision in challenging underwater environments with limited visibility
- •Designed ROV structure and camera system integration
- •Selected and integrated underwater camera systems for mission visibility
- •Ensured waterproofing for camera and electronic components
- •Integrated camera systems with control systems for operator feedback
- •Contributed to overall ROV design for underwater mission completion
- ✓Achieved 11th place in RANGER class regional competition in Egypt
- ✓Designed and integrated camera systems for underwater mission visibility
- ✓Built functional ROV capable of completing ocean industry-modeled missions
- ✓Competed in advanced RANGER class against experienced teams
- ✓Developed expertise in underwater robotics unique engineering challenges
Scale
- • RANGER class - advanced competition level
- • Missions modeled after real ocean industry scenarios
Technology Stack
Challenge
Designing camera systems for murky underwater environments with limited visibility
Solution
Selected appropriate camera specifications and lighting systems optimized for underwater conditions, with proper waterproofing and positioning
Impact
Enabled effective operator vision for completing underwater missions
Challenge
Waterproofing electronic components for underwater operation
Solution
Implemented comprehensive waterproofing using appropriate enclosures and sealing techniques for cameras and control electronics
Impact
Achieved reliable operation during underwater missions without component failures
Challenge
Integrating camera feedback with ROV control systems
Solution
Designed camera mounting and signal routing to provide operators with clear visual feedback for precise ROV maneuvering
Impact
Operators could effectively navigate and complete mission tasks
Situation
The MATE ROV Competition is a prestigious international underwater robotics contest where teams design and build Remotely Operated Vehicles to complete missions modeled after real ocean industry scenarios. In 2014, at age 18, Khaled joined a two-person team to compete in the advanced RANGER class, which required sophisticated ROV designs capable of complex underwater operations.
Task
As the Designer with a focus on camera systems, Khaled was responsible for designing the visual systems that would enable operators to see underwater and complete mission tasks, while also contributing to overall ROV design and construction.
Action
Khaled researched underwater imaging challenges including limited visibility, lighting requirements, and waterproofing needs. He selected appropriate camera systems and designed their integration into the ROV, ensuring proper waterproofing for all electronic components. The team built the complete ROV system including camera systems, thruster control, buoyancy management, and tethered communication. They also prepared technical documentation and engineering presentations as required by competition rules.
Result
The team achieved 11th place in the RANGER class regional competition in Egypt. The experience provided hands-on education in underwater robotics, a specialized field with unique engineering challenges. This competition was part of an intensive robotics competition year that also included NI Arabia and WRO competitions.
Technical
- • Underwater camera systems and imaging in challenging environments
- • Waterproofing techniques for electronics
- • ROV design principles and buoyancy control
- • Tethered communication systems
- • Thruster systems and underwater propulsion
Soft Skills
- • Team collaboration under competition pressure
- • Technical documentation for engineering presentations
- • Operating as startup company for competition business requirements
Key Insights
- 💡 Underwater robotics presents unique engineering challenges not found in surface robotics
- 💡 Camera system design is critical for effective teleoperation
- 💡 Real-world ocean industry scenarios provide valuable engineering context