A Real-World Robotics & Autonomous Systems Competition
The San Diego Argonauts, San Diego’s premier radio-controlled model boating club since 1959, is seeking one or more local high school or college robotics teams to collaborate on a real-world applied engineering project.
The Challenge
Design, build, and deploy a GPS-guided robotic buoy capable of:
- Navigating to a defined coordinate
- Maintaining position
- Stabilizing (anchor or dynamic positioning)
- Returning to shore
Apply: [Google Form Link]
Photo credits: Jen Gollison & Gert Steinthaler
Yellow Buoy design credit: Gert Steinthaler (Lake Wörthersee, Austria)
Overview
Participants will design and build a robotic buoy that can navigate to a GPS coordinate, maintain position, and return reliably.
This project integrates:
- Mechanical design
- Electronics and control systems
- GPS navigation
- Software and autonomy
- Real-world open-water testing
Teams will have access to mentorship and testing at the San Diego Model Boat Pond.
Why This Matters
This challenge addresses a fundamental engineering problem:
How do you reliably position and maintain a floating asset at a precise GPS coordinate?
Relevant applications include:
- Marine robotics
- Autonomous systems
- Ocean and defense technology
- Environmental monitoring
The Mission
Each team must develop a system that can:
- Navigate to a predefined GPS coordinate
- Maintain position within approximately one meter
- Deploy a stabilization system
- Remain on station for a defined duration
- Return to shore on command
Optional objectives include:
- Multiple deployment cycles
- Extended station-keeping
- Fully autonomous operation
Competition Structure
Phase 1 — Design Submission
Deadline: September 30, 2026
- Submission of design concepts
- Selection of participating teams
Phase 2 — Build and Mentorship
October – November
- Approximately $250 in build support per team
- Mentor check-ins
- Optional on-site testing sessions
Phase 3 — Final Competition
December
- Live deployment at the Model Boat Pond
- Performance evaluation
- Awards and media coverage
Competition Tracks
Track 1 — Manual / Assisted
- Remote-controlled navigation
- Manual anchoring
- Basic stabilization
Track 2 — Autonomous
- GPS-guided navigation
- Station-keeping algorithms
- Automated stabilization
- Return-to-home functionality
Technical Approach
Teams may use any combination of:
- Anchoring systems
- Thrusters or propellers
- Dynamic positioning
- Hybrid stabilization methods
Scoring Criteria
- Mission completion
- Positional accuracy (target: ~1 meter)
- Reliability
- Speed (deployment and return)
- Repeatability
Prizes
- 1st Place: $500 to school STEAM program
- 2nd Place: $250
- 3rd Place: $100
Additional sponsor-supported prizes may be introduced.
Future Development
This initiative is designed as a multi-year platform.
Year 1:
Teams develop buoy infrastructure
Year 2 and beyond:
Expansion into additional challenges, including:
- Autonomous vessel navigation
- Multi-agent coordination
- Dynamic course systems
Sponsors
We welcome sponsors in:
- Robotics and artificial intelligence
- Marine systems
- Defense and engineering
- STEM education
Sponsor participation includes:
- Prize funding
- Team support
- Visibility within the regional STEM ecosystem
For sponsorship inquiries, please contact us.
Apply
- Applications Open: [4/15/2026]
- Application Deadline: [9/30/2026]
Application Form: [Google Form Link]
Contact
For inquiries from educators, faculty advisors, or student team leads:
Please visit our Contact page and / or reach out to:
- Jeff Sparksworthy
- Kerim Baran
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Update & resources for project teams:
The following resources and information were shared with us after our outreach. These can be valuable resources for the project teams willing to work on this project:
1) DIY Buoy Guide: https://sites.google.com/site/csmyclub/home/csmyc-buoy-project?authuser=0
2) DIY kits & ready-to-use buoys:
i) https://www.dronebuoyproducts.com/
ii) A $395 ready-to-buy product that is very close to what we are looking for: https://www.dronebuoyproducts.com/product-page/32-drone-buoy-can-style
3) https://www.buoybot.com.au/
4) https://www.rcyachts.com/AnchorBot.htm
5) A drone that operates in air & water: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/1ARPs9A5Mrg
6) Gert S’s GPS-controlled buoy concept photos: [Link]
7) YouTube videos of RC Buoy projects from Robin Gray: