Vertically Integrated Projects (VIP) provides UMD students of all backgrounds, disciplines, and levels of experience with the opportunity to engage in scaffolded, multidisciplinary team-based projects.
VIP Team Information
VIP Team
SHORE Robot
VIP Faculty Mentors:
Dr. Miao Yu
Dr. Yang Tao
Dr. Nikhil Chopra
Mechanical Engineering
Fischell Department of Bioengineering
Mechanical Engineering
Meeting Location, Day & Time:
Location: Leidos Innovation Lab
Time: Friday, 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
We anticipate a weekly two-hour team meeting that combines project updates, technical discussions, hands-on activities, and collaborative problem-solving. Students will also work with their subteams outside the scheduled meeting time as needed.
Occasional field visits or experiments may require additional time, subject to advance scheduling and student availability.
Description:
How can robots help shellfish farmers grow and harvest oysters while supporting a healthier Chesapeake Bay?
Join the SHORE Robot team to design, build, and test robotic technologies that could transform oyster farming and restoration!
Oysters are vital to the Chesapeake Bay's environment, economy, and cultural heritage. They help improve water quality by filtering excess nutrients, provide habitats for marine life, and support local seafood production. Yet oyster farming remains highly labor-intensive, with many underwater operations relying on manual work and limited information about growing conditions.
The SHORE Robot team will explore how robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), and smart sensing technologies can make oyster aquaculture more productive, efficient, and environmentally sustainable.
Students will collaborate on exciting, hands-on projects, including:
Robot Design and Development: Design and build robotic systems capable of operating in challenging underwater and coastal environments.
Smart Oyster Monitoring: Develop cameras, sensors, and AI algorithms to detect, count, and map oysters, helping farmers better understand their crops.
Robotic Oyster Planting and Harvesting: Explore mechanisms for deploying oyster seed, handling shellfish, and automating labor-intensive farming tasks.
Environmental Monitoring: Integrate sensors to measure environmental conditions that influence oyster growth and ecosystem health.
Robot Testing and Improvement: Conduct laboratory experiments and, as opportunities permit, field tests to evaluate robotic performance and improve designs.
Students from different majors and experience levels will work together to tackle real-world engineering and environmental challenges.
The SHORE Robot offers an opportunity to apply classroom knowledge to meaningful projects, develop practical technical and teamwork skills, and contribute to innovative solutions for sustainable seafood production and a healthier Chesapeake Bay.
No prior robotics experience is required—curiosity, creativity, and a willingness to learn are what matter most!
Methods:
Students will learn and apply a variety of engineering, computing, and scientific methods, depending on their interests and project assignments.
Robotics and Mechanical Design
Computer-aided design (CAD) and 3D modeling
Mechanical design, prototyping, and fabrication
Robotic mechanisms, actuators, and control systems
Robot integration and performance testing
Artificial Intelligence and Computer Vision
Image acquisition and processing
Machine learning and object detection
Oyster identification, counting, and mapping
Data analysis and visualization
Electronics, Sensing, and Autonomous Systems
Sensors, microcontrollers, and embedded systems
Environmental monitoring and data acquisition
Robot navigation and motion control
Sensor integration and system communication
Experimental Research and Field Testing
Experimental design and laboratory testing
Sensor calibration and performance evaluation
Field data collection and analysis
Iterative engineering design and troubleshooting
Interdisciplinary Collaboration and Project Management
Team-based engineering design
Systems engineering and subsystem integration
Technical documentation and communication
Project planning, leadership, and peer mentoring
Students are not expected to have experience in all these areas. Team members will develop skills progressively through hands-on projects and collaboration.
Majors:
We welcome students from all majors, particularly those interested in robotics, sensors, AI, and sustainability.
Majors of particular interest include:
•All Engineering majors
•Computer Science
•Physics
•Biology
Preferred Interests:
We are seeking curious, motivated, and collaborative students who are excited about using technology to solve real-world challenges in sustainable aquaculture and environmental conservation.
Students with interests or experience in robotics, mechanical design, programming, electronics, AI, computer vision, environmental science, or hands-on experimentation are particularly encouraged to apply. However, prior experience in robotics or oyster aquaculture is not required. Students will have opportunities to learn new skills and contribute based on their interests and backgrounds.
We value creativity, initiative, teamwork, problem-solving, and a willingness to learn from both successes and failures.