WORCESTER— Who knew, but now robots are even taking to the seas, thanks to skilled teams that build and control them.
A team from WPI recently emerged victorious at the 16th International Robotic Sailing Regatta, known as “SailBot,” held from June 2-7 on Lake Attitash in Amesbury. This is the fourth “overall” win WPI has earned in this annual competition.
The winning Major Qualifying Project (MQP) team comprised graduating seniors Erin Murphey (mechanical engineering), Anthony Virone (robotics engineering), Matthew Gomes (robotics engineering/computer science), and Theodore Winter (robotics engineering).
The annual regatta challenges teams to design and construct two-meter-long vessels capable of autonomous and remote-controlled operations across various events, including fleet racing, navigational accuracy, endurance, payload capacity, presentations, and station-keeping.
For the 2024 competition, the WPI team designed a new carbon fiber hull, overhauled the boat’s software systems, and revamped the electrical system.
Competing against teams from Germany, Canada, and U.S.-based institutions like Cornell University, The University of Pennsylvania, Virginia Tech, and high school teams from Newburyport and California, the WPI team clinched first place in several categories to secure the overall win. This victory marks WPI’s fourth SailBot title.
The SailBot team, partially funded by a donation from the WPI Voyagers, is advised by Ken Stafford and Bill Michalson, professors of robotics engineering.
Send news releases to Charlene Arsenault at carsenault@theworcesterguardian.org
