Embedded Files
University of California, San Diego
Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
MAE 156B: Senior Design Project (Winter 2024)
Robot in Tank
Final CAD Render
Summary
The Birch Aquarium Underwater Interactive Exhibit highlights the research of Dr. Jules Jaffe at Scripps Institute of Oceanography. Dr Jaffe's lab has designed a swarm of Autonomous Underwater Explorers (AUEs) that mimic the movement and circulation of plankton in order to better understand their relationship with internal ocean waves.
The Birch Aquarium Underwater Interactive Exhibit highlights the research of Dr. Jules Jaffe at Scripps Institute of Oceanography. Dr Jaffe's lab has designed a swarm of Autonomous Underwater Explorers (AUEs) that mimic the movement and circulation of plankton in order to better understand their relationship with internal ocean waves.
To educate Birch Aquarium visitors about Dr. Jaffe's work and the overall field of marine robotics, the interactive exhibit employs essential technologies used within the field. From buoyancy control to pressure, temperature, and UV light readouts, aquarium-goers are able to learn the basics of what makes an underwater robot operate.
To educate Birch Aquarium visitors about Dr. Jaffe's work and the overall field of marine robotics, the interactive exhibit employs essential technologies used within the field. From buoyancy control to pressure, temperature, and UV light readouts, aquarium-goers are able to learn the basics of what makes an underwater robot operate.
Dr. Jules Jaffe
Design Description
Due to the exhibit being interactive, the design includes components both outside as well as inside the tank.
On the interior, there is the main robot, that houses all electronics and sensors. The robot moves vertically in the tank along hidden alignment wires. The vertical motion is achieved through bubbles released from the bottom of the tank which get captured in the robots dome shaped canopy. In terms of powering, the robot charges via inductive coils when it is at rest at the bottom of the tank.
The exterior portion of the design is for the user creating the bubbles that are released in the tank. These are produced from the museum goer turning a crank, and that speed relates to volume of bubbles released.
Tank Exterior Schematic
Dr. Jaffe's Autonomous Underwater Explorer
Dr. Jaffe's Autonomous Underwater Explorer
Project Objectives
Create a functional mock exhibit for Birch Aquariums as an option for future renovations
At least one interactive function for aquarium guests
Robot has a means of buoyancy control
Ability for data collection in the tank and data presentation to guests
Design for low maintenance
Guests should leave the exhibit interested and informed about modern ocean research!
Birch Aquarium
Tank Interior Schematic
Final Presentation
Poster
Page updated
Report abuse