Time
Current methods cannot scan the floor passively and have a lot of downtime.
mOcean
Depth 0 m00 Mission · TU/e student team, Eindhoven
Accelerating
Autonomous Ocean
Floor Mapping
At mOcean, we aim to accelerate ocean floor mapping and understanding using a self-sufficient, renewable energy powered unmanned platform that acts as a hub for charging a deep-sea exploration device, enhancing scientific knowledge of the seabed.
0%
of the ocean floor
has been mapped
has been mapped
01 The challenge
Current
Challenges
The vast majority of current solutions utilize crewed vessels that are subject to substantial downtime and cannot passively map the ocean floor. This downtime has two main causes: human limitations and a reliance on fossil fuels.
Survey vessels must regularly return to port to refuel and resupply, so scanning is halted repeatedly and never runs continuously. Not only does this bottleneck efficiency, it also takes a toll on the environment, producing significant emissions and using up fuel and manpower that could otherwise be spared.
As a result, ocean floor mapping remains narrow in scope, focused on specific, immediate applications rather than surveying the ocean as a whole. Current solutions follow a mission-based model; our design aims to map the ocean floor passively and continuously.
3 main challenges
Energy
Current solutions utilize fossil fuels and are not sustainable.
Cost
Current solutions are extremely expensive, in terms of both acquisition and operation.
02 Our solution
Our
Solution
mOcean strives to innovate the way ocean floor mapping is conducted. The goal is to go from a mission-based model to a passive model that can operate continuously without interruption.
To accomplish this, we aim to create a self-sustaining, autonomous vehicle made of two parts, joined by a simple marine-grade cable.
-
01
An energy gathering and storing buoy
Equipped with solar panels, the buoy collects, stores and transfers energy to the underwater scanning device, providing it with continuous power. Additionally, the buoy serves as a data and control hub, in charge of all the vehicle’s operations.
-
02
The cable
Both devices are connected via a cable, which has three primary roles: supplying power to the AUV, transferring data from the AUV to the buoy, and creating a mechanical link between the two crafts.
-
03
An underwater scanning system
A highly mobile autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV), equipped with a robust sonar system capable of mapping surfaces with sub-centimetre accuracy. It is responsible for surveying the ocean floor and sending the data to the buoy.
03 The prototype
The Prototype
To realize our vision, we are currently developing our second prototype, which should be able to scan surfaces at a depth of more than 20 meters. Our past highly simplified prototype (the one shown below) was our first iteration, with limited capabilities, but it served as a great proof of concept.
To develop our prototypes, we leverage the resources and capabilities offered by Protozone and TU/e innovation Space. We work with 3D printing technology, which allows us to rapidly prototype and test new solutions and ideas.
Loading model…
3.1 Vehicle one
Surface Vehicle
Assembled
The first design of the surface vehicle. Its shape was designed to provide a stable and buoyant craft that could support the electronics it needs.
Opening up
It consists of an internal wooden skeleton that provides structure and support to the craft.
Every component
This skeleton is wrapped in a 3D-printed plastic shell reinforced with chamicals against to prevent water leakage that encloses the craft, creating a waterproof seal that protects the internal components.
Loading model…
3.2 Vehicle two
Autonomous Underwater Vehicle
Assembled
It consists of a Plexiglas tube superstructure that incorporates 3D-printed parts.
Opening up
It is equipped with a motor and servos that allow the craft to move freely.
Every component
A sonar system is implemented to provide mapping capabilities.
04 Sonar floor maps
Sonar Floor Maps
To test our first proof of concept, we created a 3D map of a small area in a controlled environment, testing different surfaces and aspects of our design.
Scan A
Rocky surface
Our first test aimed to map out a surface covered by rocks. This test was intended to simulate realistic conditions and give us a ballpark estimate of the design’s efficacy.
It also helped us develop the software needed for our project.
Scan B The second test
Detailed mapping
The second test focused on the detailed scanning of single objects. To do this, we set out to map a single skewed block of metal.
This tested the accuracy of both our software and our system as a whole.
05 Roadmap
Where we
are heading
We are currently developing the next iteration of our design, and we hope to test it in a more realistic environment in the near future.
-
Phase 01 · Q1 2026
The team is formed
mOcean is established as a student discovery team at TU/e.
-
Phase 02 · Q2 2026
Second prototype
Assembling our second prototype, testing it in a controlled environment and growing the team.
-
Phase 03 · Q3 2027
Into deeper water
Testing the prototype in deeper waters and developing its navigation system.
-
Phase 04 · Q4 2027
Reaching greater depths
Improving the prototype so it can operate at greater depths.
06 The people
Our Team
mOcean currently has 6 members, 4 of whom are mechanical engineers. We are a highly international discovery team, with almost every member coming from a different country.
We are currently recruiting. If the project interests you in any way, you are welcome to contact us and join our team.
07 Get in touch
Let’s connect
Whether you want to partner with us, join the team or just say hello — pick an option and drop us a message.
- a.bykov@student.tue.nl
- Based in
- Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- mOcean on LinkedIn