Why do we choose to use this prototype model and no others?

One of the real problems we found during our research was: And "What if our model from the satellites is not strong enough to approximate?". We wanted to understand not only from the sky, but from the own ocean too. And for that, we had a couple of ideas: Either putting a camera under the ships, or in buoys to capture information. But it wasn't enough! So we propose ourselves founding a better solution: Something which don't perturbate the marine fauna, but also being able to get away of anything that may approach, such as predators, holes, or marine debris, and being able to recover in case of issues or even updates. During our brainstorming, we discover some existent prototypes, but all of them were not good to be under water, due or they were so big, or with so many and complex mechanism that may break under pression. The one that had the less flaws was based on Theo Jansen leg prototype. It was made to be over any surface, and the possibilities of getting stuck were less since the assembly was simpler than others. An assembly of 8 legs, such as an spider, will give us enough space to mount an Arduino that will carry over the crankshaft.

Prototype Materials

The material we find most suitable is titanium, because it is very resistant to corrosion by sea water, aqua regia and chlorine. Not only that, it is a transition metal of low density and high hardness. One of the corrosion protection coatings that we suggest for the model is Nanoshield, 7100 series, since it can be used on all types of metals, in addition to having protection against highly saline humidity. It has excellent hydrophobic properties and inhibits the initiation of electrolytic corrosion reactions.

What inspired your team to choose this challenge?

Animals die every day because of humans, we have spent decades throwing our waste where we want, we pollute unconsciously and never has been given so much vicibility to this type of actions because of how normalized they are, it is time to stop the chaos. It is very unfair to see the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, all the accumulation for decades of all the plastic we generate and that not many people know about it, we must educate, raise awareness and support the reuse of plastic and that little by little we stop using it, the environment would thank us.

What was your approach to developing this project?

The main objective for the development of this challenge is the concern that each of us share for the environment and the negative repercussions that can arise from not taking the necessary care of our planet. Creating awareness about the problems that our planet is going through, and that are really our responsibility, is one of the main steps for progress in reducing pollution of the seas

How did your team resolve setbacks and challenges?

It was complicated, but we always looked for support on each other, asking for help when we could not solve something or when we had doubts, supporting and encouraging each other was the best tool to overcome setbacks. We cannot say that there were none, but after all, we always try to remain optimistic and with eager to reach a solution. The word "I can't" is not in our vocabulary.