ASV AeroCat: Small Platform for Teaching and Research in Robotics
Accacio Ferreira Dos Santos Neto, Vinícius B. Schettino, Jennifer M. Lamas, João Silva, Vitor Eduardo Freitas Oliveira, Anderson Grandi Pires, Milena Faria Pinto · 2024
Autonomous surface vehicles (ASVs) play a crucial role in various applications such as bathymetric mapping, pollution monitoring, surveillance, and oceanographic studies. However, despite their undeniable importance, there is a scarcity of vessels specifically designed for robotics education. This market gap presents a significant opportunity, as integrating robotics concepts into ASVs could enhance the educational experience, addressing demand in the field of hands-on learning in marine robotics. This paper introduces the ASV AeroCat, a vessel developed with robotics education and research in mind. With reduced dimensions and weight, AeroCat features a differential-aerial propulsion system, making it ideal for operation in shallow water environments. Throughout the paper, details of the design and potential educational applications of the AeroCat will be discussed.