AGH Solar Boat: Who Are We?
We are a team of passionate students from the AGH University of Cracow, united by a common mission: to develop modern, zero-emission boats powered by solar energy and autonomous vessels capable of monitoring bodies of water. Our goal is not only to advance innovative water transport technologies but also to compete in international competitions, where we test our solutions in demanding conditions and continuously gain valuable experience.
How Did It All Begin?
The history of AGH Solar Boat began in 2015, when a group of students decided to build their first solar-powered boat and compete in the prestigious Monaco Solar & Energy Boat Challenge. After months of intensive work, in 2017, our first solar boat – Baśka – was launched.
Baśka, named in honour of St. Barbara, made an impressive debut, securing 5th place in its category. It later competed in Germany and the Netherlands, earning further distinctions. This success motivated us to push forward, designing and building even more advanced vessels.
Through hard work and determination, we evolved from a small team of enthusiasts into a group of over 100 members, where each individual plays a key role – from design and construction to electronics, programming, project management, and promotion.
Innovation and Technological Development
Each of our projects represents a step forward in sustainable and autonomous watercraft development. Our fleet includes several groundbreaking designs, each tailored for specific applications:
Baśka – The very first solar boat built in our workshop. Lightweight, agile, and environmentally friendly, Baśka marked our debut in international competitions and gained recognition at the prestigious Monaco Solar & Energy Boat Challenge.
Celka – The younger and more advanced sister of Baśka. By utilizing cutting-edge composite materials, an optimized propulsion system, custom-designed photovoltaic panels, and an innovative three-point hydrofoil system, Celka is our most technologically sophisticated solar boat. Having competed across Europe, including Monaco, Portugal, the Netherlands, and Hungary, Celka is a testament to our passion for innovation and our vision for a sustainable future.
R.O.B.U.R. – Our first autonomous vessel, one of the pioneering designs of its kind in Poland. Built with a carbon fibre hull and equipped with dual independent thrusters, R.O.B.U.R. is exceptionally manoeuvrable and precise. It was our first project to integrate an AI-driven neural network, enhanced by vision-based data processing from an onboard camera. R.O.B.U.R. earned a special distinction from the jury at RoboBoat 2022.
Barka – Our second autonomous vessel. It is capable of independently conducting environmental measurements, including monitoring water and air pollution levels. Barka’s autonomy is powered by our proprietary neural network and vision-based navigation system. Thanks to its modular design, it can be easily reconfigured for various tasks. In RoboBoat 2023, it was recognized with the Best Autonomous Boat Design award.
Currently, we are working on our newest solar boat – Delta, which will be even faster, lighter, and more efficient than its predecessors, further pushing the boundaries of sustainable watercraft engineering.
Achievements on the International Stage
Here are some of our greatest achievements:
- 1st place at Sardinia Innovative Boat Week (2024)
- 2nd place at the RoboBoat Competition (2024)
- 3rd place at the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge (2024)
- 3rd place at the Njord - The Autonomous Ship Challenge (2024)
The Future and Our Goals
Every new project is a step toward innovation and progress. We are committed to developing technologies that will make our vessels even more efficient and environmentally friendly. However, AGH Solar Boat is not just about engineering – it is also about collaboration, continuous learning, and a shared passion for cutting-edge technology.
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