GC represents at MATE ROV

DAUPHIN ISLAND, Ala. - The Dauphin Island Sea Lab’s ‘Discovery Hall’ programs wrapped up its 7th annual Northern Gulf Coast Regional MATE ROV Competition with an awards ceremony on April 28. Twenty-seven teams competed with their custom-built remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) and represented the states of Alabama, Mississippi, Florida, Arkansas, Georgia, and Louisiana. The competition is a part of the Marine Advanced Technology Education (MATE) network of 37 regional competitions worldwide. The MATE ROV competition uses underwater robotics to inspire and challenge students to learn and creatively apply scientific, engineering, and technical skills to solving real-world problems. Students create an engineering company that designs, builds and uses underwater robots to carry out specified missions. The 2019 theme was ‘Innovations for Inshore: ROV Operations in Rivers, Lakes, and Dams.’ which highlights the role ROVs play in addressing problems. Aquatic Robotics of Design Vision from Lafayette, La., placed first in the Ranger category to earn a chance to compete in the International MATE ROV Competition in June at Kingsport, Tenn. In the Navigator class competition, Tiger Shark Robotics of the STEM Academy from Clanton, Ala., took top honors. Pius Salvage of St. Pius X in Mobile, Ala., placed first in the Scout class competition. David Thibodaux STEM Magnet Academy’s Hydrobotics Inc. from Lafayette, La., placed second and the Water Warriors from the Underwater ROV Club (SCHEF) in Slidell, La., was third. (Source: DISL 04/28/19)