We are Waldo, an all-girls robotics team from Trafalgar Castle School in Whitby, Ontario, dedicated to advancing women in STEM through engineering innovation. Our modular ROV, Waldo XVII, was strategically designed and constructed using a durable and lightweight aluminum frame, waterproof cameras for real-time navigation, and a waterproof claw system for precise object manipulation. An adjustable buoyancy system ensures stability during complex underwater tasks.
These integrated tools enable Waldo XVII to retrieve and transport objects, for example, collecting the coral species, navigating obstacle courses, and simulating real-world underwater missions. ROVs like Waldo XVII also support exploration in environments too cold or dangerous for humans, assisting in monitoring marine life, mapping underwater terrain, and collecting data on climate change. Similar technologies are used to inspect offshore wind turbines and infrastructure, improving safety and sustainability. Through this work, we connect engineering design to real-world environmental challenges while empowering young women in technology.