This project is offered by Navantia, an Australian shipbuilding and sustainment company. company. It has offices in Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra and Perth.

Project Description

Autonomous systems, by their nature, rely on sensors to operate. The accuracy of the sensor data can be affected by the stability of the environment in which the system is operating. Autonomous marine vessels are particularly vulnerable to tainted sensor data given the general instability of sea-borne ships.

The project is to design a self-stabilising platform that keeps sensors or equipment level and steady on an autonomous vessel regardless of the weather or swell. It will involve exploring different stabilisation methods and defining the requirements for the stabilisation platform. Using CAD software, students will develop an active control system that adjusts the platform's orientation based on sensor feedback, then construct and test a prototype. 

Disciplines, Knowledge and Skill required

The project would suit 3rd year (or later) students from mechanical, mechatronic, maritime or electronics disciplines. It could also form the basis of a capstone or master’s project. 

Format and Size

This project would work best in a class that had a range of disciplines (like a core subject). The ideal classroom group size would be 4-6 as specialisation in several areas would be required. 

In-kind supervision support will be offered by engineers from Navantia. This could either be in the form of regular Q&A sessions or occasional in class visits. This would need to be negotiated between the university and Navantia.If the university is located near one of Navantia’s coastal offices, it may be possible to organise a site visit for the class. 

Deliverables:

Navantia would expect an engineering report and may be able to be present during a final presentation for help in assessment, though this greatly depends on availability and location of the classes. 

Contact Details:

Email your interest projects@engineeringfuturesinitiative.org