Our Mission
Rescued from a derelict warehouse in Eckenförde, this navy surplus autonomous surface vessel, originally named Seewiesel® II, found a new home at the University of Rhein Waal. The steadfast students of this team have made it their mission to give this vessel, now named Spoywiesel, a new life as a development tool for autonomous shipping applications. As a result, she could develop a new career as a marine mammal research vessel, scowering the sea for dolphins or whales.
Read on to learn how you can get involved.
Prof. William M. Megill
ButtonSpoyWiesel
Challenges
Before donating her to the university, the German Navy had originally developed this vessel as a test platform.
Through hard work and reverse-engineering, the first steps in this project include rebuilding and launching her into the Spoy, where she can start learning to navigate autonomously in a safe and familiar environment. From there we would gradually move her into the Rhine River, where she can learn to dodge tugs and barges. In the final step, we would see her in the North Sea as a fully functioning survey vessel, looking for marine life.
Many challenges need overcoming before these goals can be reached. On the mechanical systems side, Hull Hydrodynamics and Roll stability need further understanding. Regarding the electrical system, the vessel needs a modern, standardized bus system. From the mechatronics side, an autopilot is required to allow the vessel to function autonomously. Another challenge is the to integrate the radar system, a multibeam sonar and radio control with an onboard computer.
You're interested in this project?
Then join our team! We need motivated students who can work in a team to overcome challenges and get the Roboboat into the Spoy. This project starts in April and lasts approximately 15 weeks.