HKUST ROV Team shone in The IET/MATE Hong Kong Underwater Robot Challenge 2014

The Remote Control Vehicle (ROV) team, a sub-team of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) Robotics Team, came out on top during the Asia Regional IET/MATE Underwater Robot Challenge 2014. The contest was held on the 12^th and 13^th April at the City University of Hong Kong. Participants from over 30 institutions from six countries in South East Asia (Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Macao & China) participated in one of three categories; Scout, Ranger and Explorer Class. The HKUST ROV Team won the Champion Award in the Explorer Class and will represent Hong Kong in the International MATE ROV Competition 2014 Explorer Class in Michigan, USA in June 2014.

The success of the HKUST ROV team could be pointed to two main factors, diversity & planning. 12 members from the following countries formed the team: Hong Kong, China, Taiwan, Germany, Italy and Indonesia. They are not only diverse in nationality, but also in area of study. Some are from the Engineering School some from the Science School, and even others from the Business School. They believe by having a diverse team, the possibilities for innovative ideas are greatly enhanced.

Secondly planning: a crucial factor for success. They made sure that the “Octopus” (name of the HKUST ROV) was completed well before the competition; it did not only ensure that there are no last changes, but it also gave the operator the ability, to best know the machine. The team did not only make sure that the machine is at the best of its ability, but also planned well ahead for spare parts and developed a strategy for missions. All members were actively involved in creating the strategies for many possible mission scenarios. The mission does not only include the time during which the machine is in the water, but also includes the preparation time. By preparing extensive checklists and carrying out complete system dry tests the machine is consistently tested and the members made sure the machine is ready for mission.

There is no reason yet to sit back and relax. With only a little over a month to go for the international competition, the team is now working on strategies to improve the machine even further, and to apply knowledge, which they learnt from other teams.

The Marine Advanced Technology Education (MATE) Centre (located in California, USA), in association with the Marine Technology Society's ROV Committee, have been organizing the International Remote Operated Vehicle Contest for the past twelve years. This contest is aimed at secondary school, college and university students. The winners of the Hong Kong/Asia regional contest will enter the International Finals in Michigan, USA, in June 2014.

Once again The Institution of Engineering and Technology, Hong Kong (IET HK) is the organizer of the Hong Kong regional contest. IET HK is the largest overseas branch of the UK's largest professional engineering institution, and also the world's largest professional engineer awarding body. The contest is co-organized with HKUST and CityU.

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