Facilities
Robots
AgileX - All-Terrain Mobile Robot Platform
The AgileX RD Kit is a rugged, all-terrain differential-drive mobile robot designed for research, prototyping, and outdoor robotics applications. Built on AgileX's Scout Mini platform, it features powerful motors, independent suspension, and ROS/ROS2 compatibility, making it ideal for autonomous navigation, SLAM, and perception experiments. Its compact footprint and modular architecture make it a versatile choice for field robotics in both academic and industrial settings.
BlueROV2 - Underwater Remotely Operated Vehicle
The BlueROV2 is a highly capable and customizable ROV designed for underwater inspection, research, and exploration. Featuring six or eight-thruster configurations, HD video streaming, and depth ratings up to 100 meters (expandable to 300m with upgrades), it offers stable maneuverability and precise control. With an open-source software stack (ArduSub) and extensive payload support—including sonars, manipulators, and sensors—the BlueROV2 is ideal for academic, industrial, and environmental underwater missions.
ecoSUBm5 – Compact 500m-Rated Autonomous Underwater Vehicle
The ecoSUBm5 is a lightweight, cost-effective autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) engineered for deepwater research and environmental monitoring. Rated to 500 meters depth, this compact platform is ideal for oceanographic missions, offering modular payload options including CTD sensors, fluorometers, and acoustic systems. Designed for rapid deployment and minimal logistic overhead, the ecoSUBm5 supports autonomous data collection in challenging subsea environments, making it a powerful tool for marine science and industry alike.
BlueBoat – Autonomous Surface Vehicle for Marine Research
The most recent addition to our lab's robot suite is Blue Robotics BlueBoat. The BlueBoat is a robust and highly configurable autonomous surface vehicle (ASV) designed for a wide range of marine research and survey missions. With dual-motor propulsion, long-duration endurance, and open-source PX4 and ROS2 compatibility, the BlueBoat is ideal for tasks such as bathymetric mapping, water quality monitoring, and autonomous inspection. Its modular payload bays support sonar, GPS, environmental sensors, and more—making it a flexible and accessible platform for coastal, inland, and environmental applications.
Towing Tank
Location
Fluids Laboratory, Roberts Building, Malet Street, UCL, London WC1E 6BT
Description
- 20m long
- 2.5m wide
- 1.3m high
- Water depths up to 1m
- Walls made of clear glass; bed is smooth concrete
- Equipped with seven independently programmable Edinburgh Design flap-type wave generators with active absorption, capable of cancelling low-frequency wave reflections.
- Waves are absorbed at the far end by a parabolic beach.
- The flume can generate regular, random, or focused wave groups, both inline and oblique, with wave periods from 0.8s to 5s and heights up to 0.7m.
- Ideal for studying marine structures, floating vessels, and wave hydrodynamics.
