MBC aqua robotics top 10 in the world

Maike van der Heide

Marlborough Boys’ College Aquabots ‘Team Orca’ has placed 10th in the world at the international SeaPerch underwater robotics and engineering competition in America.

On May 31 and June 1, Year 10 students Tāna Barron, Sam Molony and Luke Bourgeois competed alongside three other New Zealand teams at the invitation-only event at the University of Maryland, near Washington DC, along with 180 other international teams.

The Year 10 students pitched their self-built remotely operated vehicle (ROV) against 75 teams in their middle school category.

Their Aquabot had to complete obstacle courses and complete tasks like lifting and retrieving items underwater with self-designed hooks, which required precision in buoyancy and hydrodynamics, as well as skilled driving by the boys.

Team Orca’s consistency in results was key to their 10th place, with a 12th in the report section, 15th in the obstacle course and 21st in the mission section.

Coach Suzanne Barron says the team encountered unexpected motor problems during the first of their two challenges which meant changing what they had been practising for months.

“Once they realised they had a problem, they just had to change their strategy and how to approach the challenge, in a split second. They knew there were no second chances.

“They’ve developed techniques to do the tasks a certain way and then on the day, because of the motor failure, they had to come up with a solution to complete the tasks as best they could. To do that showed maturity – they just did what they had to do.”

Marlborough Boys’ College science and Aquabots teacher Katharine Davis says Team Orca have represented Marlborough Boys’ College and the whole Marlborough region so well.

“The team worked incredibly hard to prepare for the international challenge and their preparation has definitely paid off - to finish as one of the top 10 teams in the world is an amazing achievement and we are all so proud of them.”

Team Orca would like to thank the many generous Marlborough businesses, charitable organisations and individuals who supported them to get to the USA.

Team manager Lisa Bourgeois says the team had to raise $40,000 in just three months to travel to the competition.

“Team Orca absolutely could not have made it to SeaPerch without Marlborough’s generosity and support.

“We are incredibly grateful for each and every donation of products or funds, and proud to live in such a wonderful, supportive community.”

SeaPerch competition:  https://seaperch.org
Ministry of Inspiration Aquabots: https://ministryofinspiration.org/nz-aquabots-nationals

Follow MBC NZAquabots Teams: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567608517641