ASV AeroCat: Small Platform for Teaching and Research in Robotics

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.