What does it take to build a robot that can work underwater? Alpena High Schools’ UR² Team (Underwater Robotics & Research) will answer that by showcasing the newest technology they engineered for the 2026 MATE ROV Competition and professional exploration in an upcoming community lecture. This rare behind-the-scenes look features student-built technology inspired by the real-world needs of NOAA, the marine science community, and Viking Cruise Line.

Among the highlights is the Defiance HD, a six-thruster ROV built on a custom aluminum frame. It features dual HD cameras, a 4-axis robotic arm for lakebed manipulation, and custom computer vision software designed to automatically detect invasive species and identify fish. The team also developed the Perseverance, a student-built autonomous profiling float modeled after the instruments oceanographers use worldwide. It dives to target depths to measure water pressure and temperature, transmitting data wirelessly without a tether—a technology vital for monitoring the health of Thunder Bay. These projects represent the actual tools scientists use to study shipwrecks and track ecosystem changes.

For over a decade, UR² has partnered with NOAA Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary to apply student skills to watershed research. This presentation is free and open to all ages, followed by a Q&A session with the student team. Bring your curiosity, and perhaps a future engineer, to learn how these students are shaping the future of marine science.