Sea Masters · MATE ROV
May 2027 underwater robotics: engineering below the surface
Hosted by Kids Robotic Academy and Saint Thomas' Episcopal and Kids Robotic Foundation
ROV
Design & fabrication
Marine
Science & exploration
Offshore
Career pathways
30K+
People who will know
$20K–$30K+
To run this program
This season
What this program is
May 2027 · Engineering Below the Surface. Students will design, fabricate, waterproof, wire, program, pilot, test, and troubleshoot ROVs while completing mission-based engineering challenges. The program expands KRF’s Space · Air · Land · Sea model and connects students to marine engineering, ocean science, offshore energy, underwater inspection, and ROV operations.
We invite marine engineers, offshore professionals, energy companies, ROV pilots, researchers, universities, judges, mentors, and pool/testing, equipment, and scholarship partners. Estimated need: $20,000–$30,000+.
Kids Robotic Academy and Saint Thomas' Episcopal Sea Masters already took a Scout-class MATE ROV named Seamaster to the University of Houston. Roster, budget, and the engineering presentation stay below.
Career pathways
- Marine engineering and ocean science
- Offshore energy and underwater inspection
- Environmental research
- Electrical and mechanical engineering
- Robotics, programming, and ROV operations
Season highlights
- At least 30,000 people who will know
- May 2027 MATE ROV competition pathway
- ROV design, fabrication, marine science, offshore careers
- 2026 Scout-class Sea Masters team already documented
- Texas State Scout-class first-place result noted in STE RAIR materials
Seamaster specs
- Robot name
- Seamaster
- Class
- MATE ROV Scout class
- Design
- Compact PVC-frame ROV, lightweight for underwater movement
- Dimensions
- 13.75 in L × 14.5 in W × 14.5 in H
- Weight
- About 4.5 lb
- Build cost
- About $1,385.32 ($1,200 to $1,400 range)
- Build time
- About 40 to 50 student-hours
- Safety
- Insulated wiring, protected propellers, waterproof connections, stable PVC frame
- Special features
- Adjustable flotation, custom-built frame, compact structure for tight underwater spaces
Join this program
Sponsor, volunteer, or equip
About $20K–$30K+ to run this program. 30K+ people will know about this work.
Volunteer for this event- Marine engineers, offshore professionals, energy companies, and ROV pilots
- Universities, judges, and mentors
- Pool / testing, equipment, and scholarship partners
Fund this program
$20K–$30K+
Gift amounts from the 2026–27 partnership packet. $25K and $35K can lead a major program. $45K and $50K+ cover the full season with guest benefits. Lower amounts contribute. In-kind includes volunteering, plus equipment, space, media, or skilled expertise.
30K+ people who will know
Your gift funds the program. Your people make it mean something: judges, mentors, equipment, and career pathways.
Materials
Posters, collages, and documents for this program
Marine / festival STEM floor
Visual from the 2026–27 partnership packet MATE ROV page
Sea Masters spec sheet