Similar Projects
Here are some of the similar projects I found. We can try to join forces or simply learn from them.
OSUG
https://hackaday.io/project/20458-osug-open-source-underwater-glider
This was the original inspiration for the current effort. Alex Williams did a great job with it and managed to win the Hackaday Prize in 2017 with it. But then he got recruited by a company in California, and this project was largely left abandoned. I have, however, found a few people trying to build and improve it, such as this one.
Echo Sounder Buoys: Upcycling Playbook
https://hackaday.io/project/190485-echo-sounder-buoys-upcycling-playbook
A great open-source project where they explore repurposing discarded fish aggregation device (FAD) echo sounder buoys into low-cost, open-source ocean monitoring platforms. These buoys, originally used in commercial fishing, are converted into systems such as hydrophones, cameras, and water quality sensors, leveraging their existing power, communication, and rugged marine design.
SeaGlide
https://robonation.app.box.com/s/uwsu84umz7y9aizxbycp2hfsumx9z1y8
This is the best project I’ve found so far in terms of detail and documentation. The only issue is that it’s just a toy built specifically for kids who want to fly it in a pool or a pond. The goal is to achieve this level of documentation and detail, but to create a scientific tool capable of withstanding the oceans.
SURF Robotics glider
A project started by Brad Smith, a Canadian engineer whom I have been in touch with and hope to contribute to more effectively in the future.
Seaflight
https://github.com/SeaFlightGlider
A project started by an engineer from WHOI, but it seems like there have been no updates for about three years. I tried to connect with him but got no response.
ROUGHIE
A team from Purdue University working on this glider. It does not seem to be an open design and they did not respond to my message.
GlideX
https://youtu.be/sF4YcQr8duc?si=HskKbBRdG0BCvBp1
An admirable effort, but I can’t find any updates or follow-ups.
OceanAI
https://github.com/daniel360kim/OceanAI#about-the-project
Another interesting project, but it does not seem to have had any recent updates for a few years.
Underwater Glider
https://github.com/ZeinBarhoum/Underwater-Glider
Another inactive bench-tested glider.
RC Submarines
There is a rich community working on RC submarines from which we can learn quite a lot.