06/02/2026
Another day of testing by the lake and another step closer to diving deeper into Lake Michigan, and that day is coming sooner than you might think.
Our student-built continues to make progress as we prepare for open-water testing. Next week, we're hoping to get out onto Lake Michigan for another round of field testing. We're still working with a relatively short tether and a pool-based power system, so we won't be venturing too deep just yet, but every test helps us learn more about operating in a real-world environment.
From testing sensors and navigation systems to refining buoyancy and piloting skills, each trip to the water helps students move one step closer to conducting meaningful freshwater exploration and research.
Projects like this are only possible because of the support of individuals, businesses, nonprofits, and foundations that believe in hands-on STEM education. Right now, we're seeking partners to help us fund a professional surface power system that will allow students to safely explore deeper and farther from shore.
Join organizations like Cerulean Sonar, Dead Calm Seas Marine Services, Blue Robotics, GoPro, the Generac Foundation, and many others who are helping students turn classroom learning into real-world exploration. If you know an individual, company, nonprofit, or foundation that may be interested in supporting student-driven underwater robotics, freshwater exploration, and Great Lakes research, I'd love to start a conversation.
Every test brings us a little closer to answering bigger questions beneath the surface.
