Getting Started with Marine Robotics

Welcome! If you're new to marine robotics, you're in the right place. This guide will help you take your first steps into the exciting world of robots that work in, on, and underwater.

What is Marine Robotics?

Marine robotics is about building autonomous robots that operate in water environments to help us:

  • Explore the ocean - Map and study areas that are difficult to access
  • Protect marine life - Monitor pollution, track endangered species, study ecosystems
  • Inspect infrastructure - Check bridges, dams, ship hulls, underwater cables
  • Search and rescue - Find missing aircraft, locate shipwrecks, assist in disasters
  • Scientific research - Collect samples, measure ocean conditions, study climate change
  • Do dangerous jobs - So humans don't have to dive in hazardous conditions

Why Marine Robotics is Awesome

Real Impact: Marine robots support exploration, inspection, and monitoring in places that are difficult or unsafe for humans to reach.

Growing Field: Marine robotics spans research, environmental monitoring, offshore energy, and underwater archaeology.

Accessible: Many people start with simulation before investing in hardware. Costs and prerequisites vary by project.

Can I Actually Do This?

Yes! Here's the truth about getting started:

Do I Need to Know...

Programming? - Basic Python helps, but you can learn as you go - Some tools have graphical interfaces - Lots of example code to learn from

Math? - High school algebra is enough to start - You'll learn more advanced concepts when you need them - Simulators handle the complex calculations for you

Engineering? - Nope! Enthusiasm and curiosity are more important - You'll learn by doing - Strong community support for beginners

Expensive Equipment? - Start with free simulators - no hardware needed! - Hardware costs vary widely by scope and platform - Some competitions loan equipment to teams

Age and Education

  • High school students: Absolutely! Many competitions welcome you
  • College students: Perfect time to get involved
  • Career changers: Never too late to learn
  • Hobbyists: Join the community!

Three Paths to Get Started

Choose your adventure based on your interest level:

Path 1: Just Curious? 👀

Time commitment: Flexible Cost: Free What you'll do: Watch and learn

Start here:

  1. Watch these introduction videos:
  2. What is an Autonomous Underwater Vehicle?
  3. WHOI Oceanographic Robots

  4. BlueROV2 in Action

  5. Explore this site:

  6. Vehicle Types - See the different robots
  7. Applications & Competitions - Real-world uses

  8. Simulation - How people test without water

  9. Next steps: If you're interested, try Path 2!

Path 2: Want to Try It? 🎮

Time commitment: Flexible Cost: Free What you'll do: Drive a virtual robot in simulation

Your first hands-on experience:

  1. Set up a simulator

  2. Choose your operating system:

  3. Follow Tutorial 1: Virtual RobotX

  4. See Education & Tutorials
  5. You'll have a virtual boat driving in the water!

  6. No prior experience needed; just follow the commands

  7. Experiment:

  8. Make the robot go faster
  9. Navigate around obstacles

  10. Try different sensors

  11. Next steps: Join a competition or try Path 3!

Path 3: Ready to Build? 🔨

Time commitment: Project-dependent Cost: Project-dependent What you'll do: Build a real robot

Beginner-friendly hardware options:

Option A: Simple ROV Kit

  • OpenROV Community Kit
  • DIY tethered underwater camera
  • Arduino-based pool robot

Pros: Affordable, hands-on learning Cons: Limited capabilities, requires building skills

Option B: BlueROV2 Platform

  • Professional-grade underwater robot
  • Well-documented ROS integration
  • Active community support
  • Expandable with sensors

Pros: Production-ready, extensive resources Cons: Expensive (consider university lab access or team funding)

Option C: Join a Team

  • University robotics club - Share costs and equipment
  • Competition team - Equipment often provided
  • Makerspace - Access to tools and mentorship

Recommended: Start with Option C - learn from others while sharing resources!

Your First Week Plan

Here's a realistic schedule for your first week:

Day 1-2: Learn the Basics

Day 3-4: Set Up Your Environment

  • Install Linux or WSL2
  • Install ROS 2 (official tutorial)
  • Set up a simulator (VRX or similar)

Day 5-7: Your First Robot!

  • Complete Tutorial 1: VRX Setup
  • Make the virtual robot move
  • Celebrate! You're now a marine robotics practitioner 🎉

Week 2 and Beyond:

  • Join the ROS Maritime community
  • Complete more tutorials
  • Start planning your first project
  • Consider joining a competition team

Free Resources to Learn

Online Courses

  • ROS Tutorials: docs.ros.org - Start here for ROS basics
  • Python for Everybody: Free course - If you need programming basics
  • WHOI Educational Resources: Ocean science background

Community Support

  • ROS Discourse - Maritime Category: Ask questions, get help
  • Zulip Chat: Real-time discussion with experienced developers
  • Monthly Working Group Meetings: Watch recordings to learn from experts

Documentation on This Site

Common Beginner Questions

"Is this only for university students?" No! High school students participate in competitions, hobbyists build amazing projects, and career changers learn successfully.

"How long until I can build something real?" Timelines vary widely by project scope, prior experience, and available resources.

"Do I need to spend thousands of dollars?" No. Start free with simulation. Hardware costs range from hobby projects to professional systems.

"What if I get stuck?" The community is incredibly helpful! Ask on ROS Discourse, join Zulip chat, or come to monthly meetings.

"Can I get a job doing this?" Roles include robotics engineer, ocean technology specialist, research scientist, simulation developer, and controls engineer. Check current job listings for requirements in your region.

For more questions, see the FAQ.

Next Steps

Ready to dive in? Here's what to do next:

  1. Choose your path above (Just Curious, Want to Try, or Ready to Build)
  2. Bookmark this site - You'll reference it often
  3. Join the community:
  4. Subscribe to ROS Discourse Maritime
  5. Join Zulip chat
  6. Start learning:
  7. Complete your first tutorial
  8. Ask questions when you're stuck
  9. Share your progress!

Need Help?

Welcome to marine robotics! The ocean is waiting to be explored, and you're taking the first step. Let's build something amazing together. 🌊🤖

This page was last updated: January 7, 2026