InT Lab (ROV)

The grand finale of our ROV winter camp is the Marine Debris Showdown — an exhilarating challenge set in our own school pool, transformed into a simulated oceanic arena. This is where the ROV meets genuine under-water challenges.

Each piece of simulated debris, ranging from drinks cans and plastic bags to discarded ropes, represents a real-world threat to our marine environment. The task is to manoeuvre the student-built ROVs through the pool to collect as much debris as possible, testing the precision, functionality and resilience of these underwater robots.

This isn't a simple exercise; it's a pulse-pounding race against the clock, a test of strategy and a trial of innovative problem-solving. Every successful collection signifies a small victory in our ongoing battle against ocean pollution and a testament to the power of technology in environmental conservation.

Our pool will test the ROVs to their limit, with their carefully crafted arms or fixed tools, lights to illuminate the depths, and cameras to navigate the underwater terrain. The teams will need to strategise, adapt and work together, turning their theoretical knowledge into practical solutions under pressure.

This final challenge is not just about winning. It's an opportunity for our students to experience first-hand the complexities and rewards of environmental conservation. It's a step towards understanding that technology and innovation can go hand in hand with preserving our precious marine ecosystems.