Undergraduate Research in Underwater Robotics
University of California-Berkeley
The goal of the CalSat project:
Create a swarm of drones to communicate at deep depths using directional laser communication.
Overview:
Over the summer, I had the opportunity to work on UC Berkeley's CalSat project, one of the many project's of Berkeley's Theoretical Applied Fluid's Lab (TAF Lab).
My main goal was to integrate the optical components into the underwater housing and to prepare everything needed for underwater testing. This led me to finish the tasks listed below.
The Mechanical Engineering theory I used in this project was hydrostatics, GD&T, and mechanics of materials.
I practiced skills like troubleshooting, interpersonal communication, written communication, CAD, FEA, iterative design, fabrication.
Specific Tasks Achieved:
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Integrate optical/electronic hardware
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Design, Prototype, Fabricate, Test brace design to constrain hardware in an underwater housing.
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Documenting procedures for cleaning and assembly of components.
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Prepare underwater housing.
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Solder custom Ethernet cables.
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Design, Manufacture, Assemble fixtures for top bench testing and underwater testing.
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Making system neutrally buoyant with ballasts