By Cliff McBride, University Communications and Marketing
More than 100 middle and high school students traveled from across the state to compete in the MATE Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) Regional Competition at USF St. Petersburg. Hosted by USF’s Florida Institute of Oceanography (FIO), the event challenged teams to design and operate underwater robots for real-world missions.
The event brought together student teams to showcase underwater robotic technology and ROVs that they design and build. The competition fosters innovation, teamwork and STEM skills, with students tackling marine and environmental challenges.
Student teams from Brooks DeBartolo Collegiate High School and Florida Atlantic University High School earned scholarships and an invitation to compete in the world championship in Michigan this summer.
The workshop is part of the Marine Technology Society’s MATE ROV Competition Program, a global initiative that uses underwater robotics to engage students and educators in STEM education. Hosting the regional competition ties directly to FIO’s mission of enhancing marine science education and workforce development.