Semi-Autonomous Lake Water Monitoring Aquatic Vehicle
September 2023 - May 2024
In my third year, I worked on a group project to design and build a semi-autonomous aquatic vehicle capable of monitoring lake water conditions. The vehicle was designed to measure water depth and temperature at three different levels, with each data point tagged using GPS coordinates for accurate environmental mapping.
The vehicle was controlled remotely through an nRF24L01RF transceiver module, allowing for reliable wireless communication.
A key feature of the design was a self-reversing winch mechanism that could lower and raise the water pressure and temperature sensors. This mechanism combined 3D-printed parts (designed by me in SolidWorks) with standard sourced components, resulting in an ingenious solution.
Throughout the project, I gained hands-on experience with Arduino-based communication systems, integrating multiple modules such as sensors, batteries, ECUs, GPS module, and the RF transceiver. I also developed strong skills in 3D design and prototyping, particularly with SolidWorks and 3D printing.
Beyond technical skills, this project gave me valuable experience in teamwork and leadership. As the leader of a four-member team, I learned how to coordinate tasks, guide design decisions, and ensure project milestones were met. This experience not only enhanced my technical expertise but also strengthened my ability to work collaboratively and lead effectively within an engineering team. I've shared some additional resources below. Feel free to check it out!
