The MATE (Marine Advanced Technology Education) ROV Competition is an underwater robotics challenge focused on ocean-based solutions, problem solving, and conservation.
This year, inspired by fresh and saltwater alike, MATE challenges participants to use their engineering skills and creativity to design an ROV (remotely operated vehicle) to discover the effects of climate change and maintain research on our ocean planets ecosystems.
Visit the MATE ROV Competition website to learn more.
The 2026 MATE ROV World Championship is June 25-27, 2026 at the Fisheries and Marine Institute of Memorial University in Newfoundland & Labrador, Canada.
Visit the MATE website for more information on the 2026 World Championship, and the MATE Twitch page for championship livestreams!
Teams must use their ROVs to attach a recovery line to a buoy anchor and return the line to the surface.
Teams use their ROVs to safely collect coral from a coral garden.
Teams use AI to determine the number of invasive European Green crabs.
Teams use their ROVs to connect a power line to a wind farm subsea station.
Teams monitor ocean health by designing and constructing a vertical profiling float.
Made up of 14 students from grades 7-12, the GEARS (General Engineering And ROV Specialists) ROV team is a homeschool robotics group in the “Ranger” class of MATE.
Established in 2023, the team strives to create effective ROVs through quality engineering while developing skills in leadership, creativity, and problem-solving.
GEARS was tasked with designing and constructing an ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle) versatile enough to fulfill tasks related to oceanic and environmental challenges faced by researchers worldwide. Our team examined the problems associated with creating a single robot that can multitask across multiple scenarios and meticulously developed, refined, and assembled our newest robot, the Vaquita 4.0.
Designed to address all challenges outlined by MATE efficiently, the Vaquita 4.0 is equipped with several key features to ensure its success. These features include six powerful Blue Robotics thrusters allowing smooth mobility and amplified speed, a specialized claw with enhanced dexterity, and a high-definition camera providing increased visibility. Backed by skilled engineers, our robot is capable of aiding in various real-world environmental challenges, such as monitoring the climate and protecting endangered ecosystems.
