Ready to explore the depths? Dive into the future with Echopods!

Members: Akshaya, Anna, Erika, Siri, Monisha, Zoha, Bhuvana, Kareena, Yuvika and Rithika, grades 9-10, supervised by Mr. Chamberlain.

In a world where underwater research is crucial yet full of challenges, The Flounders have developed an innovative solution: Echopods, are Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) that can contribute to achieving Sustainable Goal #14 by enhancing the safety of deep-sea divers and allowing them to continue conducting ground-breaking research.

Echopods are a spherical device, approximately 15 cm in diameter, equipped with advanced sensors that measure temperature, create sonar maps, and capture high-resolution imagery. They operate autonomously, collecting vital data in complex underwater environments without a wired connection.
To ensure minimal environmental impact, the Echopod’s exterior is made from eco-friendly and water-proof materials like aerogel and cellulose, combining durability with sustainability.
The development process utilised the Engineering Design Process, which included identifying challenges in underwater research, designing and creating prototypes, and iterating based on expert feedback. This approach enabled us to develop an effective solution for divers.

The Echopod connects to an app, allowing divers to assess risks and analyse their surroundings before diving, ensuring safer and more informed underwater research.

Although we struggled to build an exact working replica due to a lack of funding and expertise, we believe that with the right resources, Echopods can revolutionise underwater exploration while safeguarding the delicate marine environment. Dive into the future of underwater research with Echopods—where innovation meets safety!

Thanks,
The Flounders | BGHS