aQuatonomous
ASV Design Team
About “aQua” 🌊
WHO ARE WE?
“aQuatonomous,” a blend of the words “aqua,” “Queen’s,” and “autonomous,” is Smith Engineering’s newest student-led interdisciplinary design team.
Founded in 2023, our team has rapidly grown to over 35 passionate members, with a focus on continual expansion and innovation. Our mission centers on constructing and programming a state-of-the-art solar-powered autonomous surface vessel (ASV), providing students with a unique, hands-on opportunity to engage with cutting edge autonomous vehicle technology. We aim to be at the forefront of AI-driven autonomy and sustainable design, integrating the expertise of our diverse sub-teams: mechanical, electrical, perception, ecological & water research, business, and core-autonomy.
Our ASV project not only advances autonomous maritime technology but also catalyzes sustainability and ecological restoration efforts. Our team offers the boat to water and environmental researchers as a research vessel and measurement station.
We encourage students from all disciplines to join us, bringing their unique perspectives and skills to advance autonomous maritime technology. Through collaboration and innovation, we aim to make significant strides interdisciplinary water research and autonomous vehicle design.
OUR MISSION.
Innovation in Autonomous Marine Technology
We strive to be at the forefront of AI-driven autonomy and design, developing cutting-edge autonomous ASV. Our goal is to push the boundaries of technology to create more efficient and effective ASVs.
Ecological Sciences and Water Research
We aim to advance ecological and water research by collaborating with research labs and conducting independent studies on Lake Ontario. Our ASV technology supports environmental monitoring and sustainability efforts, contributing to the understanding and preservation of aquatic ecosystems.
Hands-On Learning and Professional Development
We provide students with valuable hands-on experience in building and programming autonomous vehicles. This includes offering fieldwork opportunities to disciplines that traditionally lack such exposure, such as mechanical, computer, and electrical engineering. Through teamwork and practical application, we foster an environment where students from all disciplines can learn and grow professionally. Additionally, we are committed to recruiting first-year students, ensuring they gain early exposure to real-world projects and become integral parts of our team from the start.
Commitment to EDII and Outreach
We are dedicated to upholding Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Indigeneity (EDII) principles, ensuring a diverse and inclusive team. This commitment enriches our project and community, promoting a culture of respect and collaboration. Additionally, we are committed to outreach, actively engaging in initiatives that give back to our community. By fostering an inclusive environment and prioritizing outreach efforts, we aim to make a positive impact both within and beyond our university.
COMPETITION(S?)
In 2025, aQuatonomous plans to compete in the RoboNation RoboBoat Competition. This event provides an excellent platform to demonstrate our ASV and to achieve our mission of generating clean-powered vessels that support ecological research and restoration. Competing on a global stage allows us to showcase our cutting-edge technology and commitment to sustainability while fostering collaboration and learning within the international community.
RoboNation RoboBoat Competition
Sarasota, Florida
March 2025
ECOLOGICAL SCIENCES AND WATER RESEARCH.
In addition to competing, aQuatonomous will use the ASV to advance ecological and water research. We plan to collaborate with water research labs and conduct independent studies on Lake Ontario, using our vessel’s technology to support environmental monitoring and sustainability efforts. With Queen’s University’s close proximity to water and its numerous water research initiatives, our location provides the perfect setting for this work.