Why Are More Universities Developing Their Own ROVs? (with Recommendations for Commonly Used Thrusters)

In recent years, an increasing number of universities worldwide have invested in the independent research and development of ROVs (Return-on-Vehicles). From engineering and marine colleges to laboratory teams, various universities are establishing ROV projects for marine exploration, scientific research, technical teaching, and competitions.

So, why are universities increasingly inclined to build their own ROVs instead of purchasing off-the-shelf equipment? This article breaks down the reasons in detail and includes a recommendation of suitable thruster models for university laboratories at the end.

I. Why are universities starting to develop their own ROVs?

1. Lower R&D costs and greater controllability through self-development
In the past, an ROV could cost tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars, but now the cost of core components (thrusters, ESCs, control boards) has decreased, lowering the barrier to self-development.

The greatest value of self-development is that all parameters are controllable.

Adjustable structure, adjustable algorithms, interchangeable thrust, and the ability to perform fluid experiments offer an openness that commercial ROVs cannot provide.

2. The Best Way to Teach Engineering: Interdisciplinary Immersive Projects

In-house ROV development is typically a collaborative effort involving students from multiple disciplines:
Mechanical: Structure, Hydrodynamics
Electrical: Motors, ESCs, Waterproofing Systems
Control: PID Control, Attitude Control, Path Planning
Computer Science: Image Recognition, SLAM
Marine Engineering: Applications and Testing

This is the most popular type of practical project for universities.

3. International Competitions Drive University In-House Development

Examples:
MATE ROV Competition
RoboSub
Singapore AUV Challenge
Almost all competitions require teams to develop their own propulsion systems, structures, and control modules, forcing universities to do so.

4. Sustainable Upgrades for 5–10 Years

A self-developed ROV can be continuously upgraded:
Replacing thrusters
Adding sensors
Replacing ESCs
Improving attitude algorithms
This perfectly meets the long-term needs of research projects.

5. More Economical and Able to Secure More Research Funding

Compared to commercial ROVs that often cost $6,000–$20,000 or more, in-house development typically requires a budget of only $400–$2,700.

Self-developed solutions are more likely to obtain various funding support, including:
Research grants
Engineering college project funds
Competition-specific funds

II. What characteristics should commonly used ROV thrusters in universities possess?

Characteristics generally required by universities include:
High reliability + seawater corrosion resistance
Stable thrust, easy to control, and capable of algorithm verification
Common voltage compatibility (12V / 24V / 48V)
Replaceable propellers, suitable for hydrodynamic experiments
Easy compatibility with control systems such as Arduino

III. Apisqueen underwater thrusters suitable for university ROV projects (recommended from low to high thrust)

The following models are all from Apisqueen and have been reorganized according to "Thrust Level → Application Scenarios → Applicable University Types"

Level 1: Introductory Teaching / Small Experiment ROV (Thrust 0.6–2.1kg)

1. BM70 — 0.6kg Thrust (Best for beginners, classroom teaching)
Suitable for: ROV beginners, basic structural experiments
Thrust: Approx. 0.6kg
Voltage: 7.4V (2S)
Advantages: Low price, low noise
Perfect for undergraduate beginner testing and classroom demonstrations.

2. X2 — 2.1kg Thrust (High-performance teaching thruster)
Suitable for: Lightweight ROVs, small fluid experiments
Thrust: 2.1kg
Voltage: 12–16V
Continuous power: 84W
Lightweight, low thrust, but ideal for structural learning and hydrodynamic testing.

3. U01 — 2kg Thrust (Introductory R&D Grade)
Suitable for: Lightweight research ROVs / Control algorithm teaching
Thrust: 2kg
Maximum power: 390W
Features bidirectional ESC
Suitable for attitude control experiments.

4. U3 — 3kg Thrust (One of the best choices for light-duty research ROVs)
Suitable for: Undergraduate labs / Small mission-oriented ROVs
Thrust: 3kg
Voltage range: 3-6S (12V-24V)
More powerful than U01, suitable for light-duty ROVs with higher mission loads.

5. X3 — 2.6kg Thrust (Suitable for 4–6 thrust beginner competitions)
Suitable for: MATE beginner group / Small engineering ROVs
Thrust: Up to 6kg
Power: 260W
Excellent cost-performance ratio, good stability.

Level 2: Medium-sized research / competition ROVs (Thrust around 7kg)

6. U5 — 7kg Thrust (Most commonly used medium-sized ROV power source in universities)
Suitable for: Structural experiments, attitude control experiments, mission-oriented ROVs
Thrust: 7kg
Voltage: 12V–24V
High thrust, high reliability, all-around thruster.

Level 3: Research/Engineering ROVs (Thrust 8–10kg)

7. MU7 (or MU7 Pro) — 3kg/6kg class (High-thrust research ROVs)
Suitable for: Research platforms, small engineering ROVs with robotic arms
Power: 435W～825W Thrust reaches medium engineering level

MU7 Pro is very mature in terms of thrust and stability.

8. U9 — High thrust 600W (Core thrust for medium-sized professional ROVs)
Suitable for: Underwater trajectory stability research / Main force in competitions
Thrust: Approximately 9kg (Extremely high for its class)
Power: 600W Built-in ESC for simpler wiring.

9. U10 — 10kg thrust (Main force for engineering-grade research ROVs)
Suitable for: Marine engineering / ROVs with large payloads
Thrust: 10kg
Power: 900W Corrosion-resistant metal shell, ideal for deep water and long-duration missions.

Level 4: Large Scientific ROV (Professional Grade 40kg+ Thrust)

10. AQ1020 — High-Power 24V / 48V Professional Thruster

Suitable for: Large scientific research platforms, deep-sea missions

Thrust: 40kg+ (depending on propeller type)

Voltage: 24–48V
Built-in high-efficiency heat dissipation ESC
Highly used in universities, research institutes, and marine engineering programs.

IV. Summary

More and more universities are choosing to develop their own ROVs, mainly due to:
Lower cost
Higher controllability
Greater teaching value
Suitable for scientific research
Suitable for long-term iterative upgrades
Suitable for international competitions

For further assistance, please contact us immediately.