Reposted from Rhody Today.

Robots built by middle school students from across Rhode Island descended the depths of the University of Rhode Island’s Tootell Aquatic Center on Wednesday as URI hosted the General Dynamics Electric Boat Rhode Island Competition.

Students built, tested and tried their hand at navigating their underwater, remote-controlled robots through obstacle courses. More than a dozen different teams of 3 to 4 students each competed against one another. Over 50 students participated hailing from Kickemuit Middle School in Warren, West Broadway Middle School in Providence, Jamestown School in Jamestown, Nathanael Greene Middle School in Providence, and DelSesto Middle School in Providence.

As part of the competition students built, tested and tried their hand at navigating their underwater, remote-controlled robots through obstacle courses. Their underwater robots were made from PVC pipes and featured other components such as remotes that were connected to the robots, via wire, and propellers.

Their underwater robots were made from PVC pipes and featured other components such as remotes that were connected to the robots, via wire, and propellers. Competing in the mission course, Kickemuit Team #2 took home first place honors, followed by Kickemuit Team # 6 and Jamestown Team #1. Kickemuit Team #5 took home first place honors in the obstacle course, and they were followed by Jamestown Team #13 and Kickemuit Team #2. Awards were presented following the competition.

Construction materials were provided through the SeaPerch program. SeaPerch is an international program that equips students and teachers with the resources and knowledge they need to build underwater remote operated vehicles by providing robotics kits to schools, introducing students to engineering, the maritime trades, design, and problem-solving.

The competition was made possible through the UConn-URI Navy STEM Coalition which recognizes the critical support from the ANCHOR contract, which is managed by General Dynamics Electric Boat and funded by the U.S. Navy through the Maritime Industrial Base Program and enables continued investment in workforce development and STEM education.