Cedarville University Students Take the Plunge: Building an Underwater Robot from Scratch

Ah, senior year of college. A time for late-night study sessions (fueled by questionable amounts of caffeine), saying goodbye to your favorite professors, and, oh yeah, tackling a monstrous capstone project before you can even think about grabbing that diploma. At Cedarville University, senior mechanical engineering students know this drill all too well. But this year, one student, Jared Ritzo, decided to do something a little… different. We’re talkin’ diving into uncharted waters, folks. Literally. Jared set his sights on building an underwater Remote Operated Vehicle (ROV). And not just any ROV, mind you. One that could compete on a national stage. The catch? This was a feat no Cedarville student had successfully pulled off before. Talk about pressure!

From Intern to Innovator: The Genesis of an Underwater Dream

You might be wondering, “What sparked this whole underwater robot obsession?” Well, it all started with a summer internship. Jared snagged a sweet gig at Oceaneering, a company that practically wrote the book on underwater robotics. Surrounded by cutting-edge tech and brilliant minds, he got completely hooked on the possibilities of exploring the watery depths. Fast forward to senior year, and Jared knew he couldn’t let go of that passion. He envisioned a team of Cedarville engineers conquering the challenges of underwater robotics, leaving their mark on the university’s legacy. But he couldn’t do it alone. Cue the dream team assemble! Jared rallied a crew of fellow engineering students, their brains brimming with technical know-how. But he didn’t stop there. Recognizing the power of a diverse skillset, he brought in a graphic design student to nail the ROV’s aesthetic and a marketing guru to spread the word about their awesome project. Talk about a well-rounded squad!

Deep Dive into the Unknown: Conquering Challenges and Making Waves

Building an underwater robot from scratch? Sounds like a recipe for a whole lot of headaches, right? Well, the Cedarville crew was definitely in for a wild ride. First off, there was the whole “never been done before” thing looming over their heads. Previous attempts at Cedarville to crack the underwater robot code had, shall we say, sunk without a trace. No pressure, right? Then came the challenge of finding a suitable testing ground. An underwater robot needs, you know, water. Specifically, a pool. And not just any pool—one deep enough to put their ROV through its paces. With deadlines looming like a shark fin in the distance, the team was in a bind. But these were Cedarville engineers, known for their problem-solving prowess and maybe a little bit of divine intervention (hey, it’s a Christian university!). They managed to strike a deal with the local YMCA. A win-win for everyone: the students got their testing pool, and the YMCA got some seriously cool bragging rights.

Building a Champion: Nuts, Bolts, and a Whole Lot of Ingenuity

Now, the team could have gone the easy route and ordered a pre-made ROV kit. Like, click, buy, boom – robot delivered to your doorstep. But where’s the fun in that? These were Cedarville engineers, after all, with a thirst for knowledge and a knack for getting their hands dirty (or should we say, “wet”?). They decided to build their ROV from scratch. Yeah, you heard that right – from the ground up, using raw materials, 3D printing, and a whole lot of ingenuity. Talk about a crash course in hands-on engineering!

Imagine this: a team of students huddled around a workbench, sparks flying, the air thick with the smell of solder and determination. They spent countless hours hunched over circuit boards, wrestling with wires, and celebrating every mini-victory with high-fives and maybe a celebratory pizza or two (hey, gotta keep those energy levels up!). This build-it-yourself approach wasn’t just about saving a few bucks (although, let’s be real, college budgets are tight). It was about the learning experience. Every soldered connection, every line of code, every successful test run was a testament to their hard work, creativity, and ability to overcome any challenge that came their way.

Gearing Up for Glory: The National Stage Awaits

Building an underwater robot is one thing. But getting it competition-ready? That’s a whole other kettle of fish (pun intended). The team set their sights on the prestigious National Underwater Robotics Competition (NURC). This isn’t your average school science fair, folks. We’re talking high stakes, intense pressure, and some seriously impressive robots battling it out for underwater supremacy. The NURC throws some curveballs at its competitors. Imagine trying to thread a needle underwater – with a robot – that you can only control through a computer screen. Yeah, that’s the level of precision and teamwork we’re talking about.

Students in a robotics competition

The Cedarville team had to navigate their ROV through a complex obstacle course, retrieve objects with pinpoint accuracy, and even complete a mission objective – all while battling nerves, potential technical glitches, and the ever-present pressure of representing Cedarville on a national stage. No biggie, right?

More Than Just Robots: A Legacy of Innovation and Inspiration

Jared and his team’s underwater adventure is more than just a cool senior project. It’s a testament to the power of hands-on learning, the importance of teamwork, and the unwavering support of Cedarville University’s academic environment. Remember those previous attempts at building an underwater robot that didn’t quite, uh, make a splash? This team’s success is a testament to their perseverance, their willingness to learn from past mistakes, and their refusal to give up on a dream.

Jared sums it up perfectly: “This project has been an incredible journey. It’s pushed us to our limits, tested our skills, and taught us more than we could have ever imagined.” He pauses, a grin spreading across his face. “Plus, who wouldn’t want to say they built an underwater robot in college?” And that, my friends, is the spirit of innovation and discovery that Cedarville University is all about.

About Cedarville University

Nestled in the heart of Ohio, Cedarville University is more than just your average institution of higher learning. It’s a place where faith and intellect intertwine, where students are challenged to think critically while deepening their relationship with God. Known for its commitment to academic excellence and a vibrant community rooted in Christian values, Cedarville offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, including a top-notch Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (ahem, future underwater robot builders, take note!).

But it’s not all work and no play at Cedarville. With a close-knit community, passionate professors who genuinely care about their students, and a focus on personal and spiritual growth, Cedarville provides an environment where students can truly thrive. It’s a place where lifelong friendships are forged, future leaders are nurtured, and, apparently, underwater robots are brought to life. Go Yellow Jackets!