We believe that diversity fuels innovation. By bringing together students from various backgrounds and areas of expertise, we foster a multidisciplinary approach that enriches our projects and pushes the boundaries of autonomous maritime technology.
UM::Autonomy is an award-winning, student-led team at the University of Michigan dedicated to designing and building autonomous robotic boats. Since our founding in 2007, we’ve cultivated an inclusive and welcoming environment, allowing students from diverse backgrounds and disciplines to join and innovate with us. Our team includes passionate students from engineering, computer science, naval architecture, robotics, business, and art & design.
Diversity fuels our creativity. By bringing together students from various backgrounds and areas of expertise, we foster a multidisciplinary approach that enriches our projects and pushes the boundaries of autonomous maritime technology. Together, we’re shaping the future of robotics, one boat at a time.
What is RoboBoat?
RoboBoat is an international competition organized by RoboNation where students design, build, and compete with autonomous surface vessels (ASV's). The competition challenges teams through a series of autonomous tasks that mimic real-world maritime scenarios, such as coastal rescue and ocean cleaning projects. This competition pushes participants to think innovatively, fostering hands-on experience in navigation, obstacle avoidance, and mission-specific operations. Ultimately, tackling maritime and autonomous vehicle industry challenges.
Wrapping up Roboboat 2026, getting ready for Roboboat 2027!
RoboBoat 2026 was an incredible experience for our team. We were proud to earn 2nd Place in Design Documentation, recognizing the extensive work put into our technical report, website, and team video, as well as the engineering behind our autonomous surface vehicle.
As we reflect on this past competition, we are now focused on covering the remaining expenses from RoboBoat 2026 and fundraising for the upcoming season. Our goal is to raise $2,000, which will support both this year’s costs and preparations for next year.
Your contributions will help us cover:
- Competition Expenses: Registration fees and costs associated with our participation for RoboBoat 2027.
- Materials and Equipment: Funding the design and construction of a brand-new vessel for next year, including updated hardware, sensors, and fabrication materials.
- Travel and Logistics: Supporting team travel while maintaining our commitment to inclusivity and ensuring zero barriers to entry for our members.
By supporting our team, you help make real-world, multidisciplinary engineering experiences possible beyond the classroom. Your generosity ensures that financial limitations never stand in the way of innovation, learning, or participation.
Thank you for supporting the Wolverines as we build toward an even stronger return to RoboBoat next year!
About our Organization
We are an engineering team that designs, fabricates, and programs a robotic surface vessel that can navigate obstacles and perform tasks on the open water all on its own with no human interaction. Working year-round, the team competes internationally against other autonomous boats every March in RoboNation's RoboBoat Competition in Sarasota, Florida. Last season, we took home 4th out of 30 teams (best from the US!), and won several awards - but this year, we're chasing the top.
