The start of our new undertaking... What was just an ordinary Thursday afternoon, sitting by the pool in the back yard, enjoying the sun and some great
conversation, sparked the adventure in two young men's lives.


Andrew Bird and Josh de Monbrun, two Ocean Engineering students, were discussing different
projects and ideas in regards to the needs of the underwater world
pertaining to the design and development of ROV's (remotely operated
vehicles), AUV's (autonomous underwater vehicles), and ASV's
(autonomous surface marine vehicles). Sounds like a pretty boring
subject to most, but not in the case of these two aspiring individuals.


With expertise in artificial intelligence and robotics, Andrew Bird is no stranger to
ROV’s. As a grad student now, he is constantly challenging himself to
push the limits of where technology and invention can take us. Josh de
Monbrun, with a background in electrical engineering and commercial
diving, has also seen his share of ROV’s in the field at work to
support him in his tasks under the ocean’s surface.

Amongst the different projects and vehicles that we've used throughout work, school, and study, as well as being tasked to research and design such
amazing instruments, the conversation soon shifted to the question of
the ability to construct an ROV within the garage. A homebuilt ROV? Of
course this has been done before in the backyards of a few enthusiasts,
but what about raising the stakes a bit? A challenge for ourselves was
born!!!


Task. Design and construct a "home-built" ROV that can:

1.) Overcome pressure to reach a depth of at least 20 meters.
2.) Overcome currents of at least 1.5 knots.
3.) Include video camera, light, SONAR, articulating arm, digital compass, and fathometer.
4.) Be made of material found and available from a local store, or can be assembled from material found from a local store.
5.) Be ecologically friendly by way of utilizing more than 50% "Green" and/or recycled products.
6.) Interface to be controlled by software via laptop, instead of joystick.
7.) All assembly must be done by our hand, all WITHOUT SPENDING A SINGLE DOLLAR!

That's right! A real challenge for the undertaking! To build a ROV, within the detailed parameters, without spending any money on the
project!!!


Our goal is to see how hard it would be to create a working, usable vehicle constructed entirely out of recycled and/or donated parts. Of
course we could buy what we need in order to build another ROV, but why
waste anymore of our precious resources? Instead, let us re-use
unwanted and unused parts donated from people and business around to
create a stable, successful, and USABLE volunteer ROV that can be utilized for "at need" environmentally conscious causes!!!


We have found a number of state and local projects that are in dire need of volunteer underwater support. Projects that need to be scouted,
maintained, or researched, but are not, due to lack of funding. Why not
support these needs by creating a vehicle that not only is
environmentally friendly, but also supports the environment by filling
these programs' needs on a volunteer basis?


So here is the launch of our "Project Green ROV!" Watch closely was we doc**ent our progress every step of the way! We also encourage
anyone and everyone to contact us for information on donating to this
project, and being recognized in support of Green ROV!