News photo of Darby Hinkley The team of the Alpena High School Underwater Research Robotics (UR2) meets regularly in the building behind the Maritime Heritage Center of the Great Lakes in Alpena. Taylor Widajewski, Lydia Thomson, Elizabeth Rabbateau, Sarah Rabbateau, Matthew Kowalski, Myah Rondeau, Gus Wirgau, Ray Johnson, Benalli Gabara and Tyler McKenzie are shown from left.
Alpena – The team of the Alpena High School Underwater Research Robotics (UR2) worked with researchers from the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration last summer to tackle the problem of increased acidification in the Great Lakes.
The team found that the acid content is caused by the absorption of carbon dioxide (CO2) from activities such as the combustion of fossil fuels, which leads to a decrease in potential hydrogen levels (potential water waters of the lake).
The Great Lakes Environmental Research Lab and TBNMS called for the use of UR2 expertise for naval technology to create a sampler that corresponds to a remote-controlled vehicle (ROV).
“Our initial approach was to use a Niskin bottle to remove water samples on the ROV,” explains a summary of the project called Warp (water supply research project). “After the ROV had reached the designated depth and the specified place, the Niskin bottle was released with the ROV grave. Although this method worked reasonably well, the research protocol saw that the water sample had to be sealed in the depth and protected from the surface air. “
Lydia Thomson is the CEO of UR2. Taylor Widajewski is the Chief Design Officer for UR2.
The shipping process shows the shipping process with the kind permission of this graphic designed by Taylor Widajewski.
“This project is cool because we include the newer generation,” said Thomson. “Our main goal is to raise awareness out there.”
She said that acidification research in the Great Lakes has just started in recent years, and Warp has collected data worldwide and has shown acidified research sites.
“We now have test sites on every continent that is really cool,” said Thomson. “We work with the Viking Cruise line that comes up here and you try out for us in Antarctica and we work with teams in China and Scotland, and we all work together to create a project.”
According to Thomson, several teachers and administrators of the high school scientificities helped the students in this project.
“While the Niskin bottle served as a starting point, we had to develop a rehearsal recipient who sealed in depth, brought to the surface, replaced by the ROV and sent to Grerl for further analysis,” says the Warp. “Our second solution is to design a ROV with a built -in sample or to develop a mechanical manipulator to end a sample under water. Our goal is to develop a prototype in spring 2025 that is to be used in the next research cycle. “
The team has grouped up again after a first setback and is now developing an innovative solution.
“Our next attempt is to develop a ROV that is equipped with dual arms to handle and end bottles,” says the Warp summary. “The new design contains two side arms. One will hold the vials while the other traps it. In order to achieve vertical movement, a gear system attached to a waterproof servo is created. Each arm has a special claw mechanism that is powered by a waterproof servo. “
A servo is a rotary or linear actuator that enables precise control of the angle or linear position, speed and acceleration in a mechanical system.
UR2 took part in the Mate Rov World Championship in the summer of 2024, where they networked with several companies worldwide. This year's colleague Rov World Championship will take place on June 19th to 21st in Alpena.
“During this event, we discussed ROV technology and water tests,” says the chain's summary. “We discovered a wide range of awareness and effects between teams – some were significantly affected, while others were not familiar with the problem. We have also identified a remarkable gap in research on water tests, especially with regard to freshwater systems. ”
Thomson explained how Warp started.
“UR2 has contacted several partner -Rov companies and given them a proposal to remove water samples and contribute to their own ROV sample technology,” explains the summary. “These efforts quickly developed into a global partnership that culminated in the start of Warp (Water -Sica Research Project). Warp builds up collective measures and contributes to a deeper understanding of the critical question of water tests. “
Thomson and Widajewski said that the project would help everyone better understand the causes of acidification, and they hope that this will lead to more sustainable practices and actions.
“It is crucial that this is shared,” said Thomson. “Because how do we happen that we start losing pieces of the ecosystem and how will the fish survive? Will we have the same fish population in 20 years? “
“Our mission is to conduct innovative research and to build a deeper understanding of the environmental problems that we face,” says the chain. “We do this by clarifying the general public and our community. UR2 tries to raise awareness of the importance of sustainability. We inspire people to take implementable steps to reduce their CO2 footprints, promote environmentally friendly practices and to organize sustainable habits in their personal and professional life. UR2 also wants to create a platform on which we can spread environmental awareness and promote environmentally friendly practices in order to lead to positive, permanent changes. “
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News photo of Darby Hinkley The team of the Alpena High School Underwater Research Robotics (UR2) meets regularly in the building behind the Maritime Heritage Center of the Great Lakes in Alpena. Taylor Widajewski, Lydia Thomson, Elizabeth Rabbateau, Sarah Rabbateau, Matthew Kowalski, Myah Rondeau, Gus Wirgau, Ray Johnson, Benalli Gabara and Tyler McKenzie are shown from left.
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The shipping process shows the shipping process with the kind permission of this graphic designed by Taylor Widajewski.