Ocean enthusiasts mesmerized by images and video of the wreck of the Titanic, hydrothermal vents, and the resting place of John F. Kennedy’s PT-109 boat have someone – or rather, something – to thank: underwater robotics.
And now, Morton West students can satisfy their curiosity with underwater robotics every week.
Underwater Robotics Club offers Morton West students direct work and preparation for going into a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) related career. Especially work aligned with group-based engineering work. Members meet every Monday and Wednesday in D107. The club is sponsored by Northeastern Illinois University (NEIU), and it allows students easier access to a variety of NEIU programs abroad and locally.
In Underwater Robotics, students learn and hone team-based skills such as clear communication, responsibility, and collaboration. “Definitely communication. It’s a big part of this program, and it helps you interact with your peers…” said Matthew Portillo, a sophomore member of the club.
Students form teams that spend the year building an ROV (remote-operated vehicle) that they typically place in competitions against other schools. The ROV must be adapted for water travel, which teams typically test by utilizing the Morton West pool. The main goal of competitions is to get the most points by doing a set of tasks. Competitions change every year, and can take on many forms.
“It kind of varies,” said Marco Flores, who’s been a member for nearly two years. “But last year it was a little race. Like an obstacle course… then, for the next stage, it was to gather as many rings inside the pool… No idea what we’ll do this year,” Flores added.
Underwater Robotics is fairly welcoming to newcomers, and anyone can join by simply visiting the club. Students don’t need any previous experience in STEM-related concepts or activities to thrive in this club.
“No experience is needed,” said club member Marvin Quiroz, a Sophomore. “If you’re new to everything, we cover most of it in the first few days.”
In fact, the club lets students focus on developing new or certain skills. Such as communication, organizing, planning, and handiness.
For Quiroz, it was an opportunity that presented itself out of the (deep) blue.
“NEIU came to the freshmen cafeteria… They were just explaining what they were about. It was just interesting to me, because I’ve always had an interest in robotics and engineering.”
For Portillo, it was NEIU’s demonstration of the device that got him hooked.
For Flores, however, it was more about an opportunity to work with other students who shared the same curiosity and passion.
“You know my friends were joining it… I decided since I had nothing else, I might as well join… Honestly, I don’t regret it. I got to meet new people.”
