Seabot: Autonomous
Cargo-Carrying
Sailboat
Seabot is the world’s first fully-autonomous sailboat designed to carry cargo. The project is designed to be both low-cost and low-power, making it a cost-effective supply delivery solution for military and civilian aid.
On April 9, 2023, Seabot successfully navigated a 1.7 mile journey through the harbor and across Clear Lake in Kemah, Texas. The map below shows the Seabots journey
More Details
Electronics
Seabot uses advanced electronics including an Arduino Nano, magnetometer, motors, wind direction sensor, cup anemometer, and GPS to enable autonomous navigation and efficient operation. These sensors allow the vessel to determine its heading, adjust its sail and rudder settings based on wind conditions, and accurately navigate to its destination. Overall, the advanced electronics make the vessel a cost-effective and sustainable solution for delivering essential supplies to Marine soldiers.
Mechanics
Seabot uses a sail for navigation, with a counterweight to maintain balance. Pontoons balance the boat and carry cargo, with the electronics stored inside. A rudder provides steering control, while a sail wind vane helps maintain balance. These mechanical components work together to ensure cost-effective and sustainable cargo delivery.
Autonomous Navigation
Seabot is equipped with low-power electronics such as Arduino Nano’s, which enable it to navigate autonomously and safely deliver supplies to our troops. The vessel’s low-power consumption allows it to run for longer periods, making it a sustainable and cost-effective solution for supply delivery.
Specifications
From our testing results, we’ve demonstrated that Seabot is capable of delivering at least 60 pounds of cargo over a 1.7 mile journey, with an inexpensive total cost of $1400. The overall design is negative energy consumption meaning that it consumes less energy than it generates. So, whether it’s through dangerous ocean conditions or hostile enemy waters, our product will allow small-scale logistics resupplies to occur all across the globe in hard-to-reach places without risking human lives.
We would like to express our sincere gratitude to our senior design mentors, Dr. Gary Woods and Dr. David Trevas, for their invaluable guidance and support throughout this project. We are also deeply grateful to our sponsor and mentor, LtCol Thomas Kline, USMC (Ret.) for his expertise, encouragement, and dedication to helping us achieve our goals.
Contact Us!
aliveatrice@gmail.com