SeaPerch is an underwater robotics program that started at MIT Sea Grant in 2003 and continues today through RoboNation (seaperch.org). SeaPerch trains teachers and students to build and navigate their own remotely operated vehicles, or ROVs.
>>Learn more: SeaPerch 101
Now, MIT Sea Grant is introducing new SeaPerch II modules!
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BASIC SEAPERCH
Build Guide
SeaPerch is an innovative underwater robotics program for students to learn and practice engineering, design, and fabrication skills by building and navigating their own remotely operated vehicles, or ROVs.
Learn how to waterproof motors, affix propellers, build electronics control boxes and more!
MEET SEAPERCH
MIT News Story + Video
- Read the MIT News story, SeaPerch: A Robot with a Mission
- Watch the SeaPerch video by MIT Mechanical Engineering
- Learn more: SeaPerch 101
MODULE 1
Robot Whisker Sensor
Whiskers are sensitive sensory tools some animals use to sense their environment and navigate through narrow spaces.
Make your own whisker sensors for your underwater robot with electrical resistive components, responsive lights, and more!
MODULE 2
Pressure (Depth) + Temperature Sensor
This sensor tracks pressure, depth, and temperature. Find out if your ROV is too high in the water, too low, or just right.
Navigate at a specific depth or measure temperature at different levels.
MODULE 3
Gripper Guide
Make your own simple and inexpensive soft-robotic grippers that can pick up and put down objects.
The gripper is completely DIY, from the 3D printed molds and mounts, to the cast silicone grippers. The actuation system requires only plastic syringes, tubing, and fittings.Â
MODULE 4
Controller Box + Gripper Pump Switch
*NEW – May 2025*
This project builds on the Soft-Robotic Grippers module, adding a controller box and submersible pump to open and close the gripper.
Build a new robust controller or adapt the controller sold by RoboNation.
SCIENCE NOTES
Sci/Tech Notes by Topic
Modules include Science/Tech Notes:
- Making rubber with two-part silicone
- How the silicone stretch sensor works in a circuit
- Biomimicry – robot whiskers
- Cleaning up noisy data with a software filter
- Circuits using DPDT and SPDT switches to reverse the spin direction of DC motors
SURVEY
POSTERS
By Elena Huang
FUTURE MODULES
SPECIAL THANKS
Ansel Garcia-Langley (MIT MechE ’24)
Thao Do (MIT MechE ’25)
Teagan Sullivan (MIT ’26)
Elena Huang (MIT affiliate)
Alex Li and Leo Wang (Former UROPs)
Melissa Wen (Illustration at top of page)
