One step closer to the ocean depths
Since autumn 2024, the student organization UiA Sub has been working intensively on developing its own ROV, named K2 – an ambitious project supported by Ixys. The team can now proudly report that the ROV is physically completed and water tested. The next step is fine-tuning the communication between the various components to ensure the system operates seamlessly.
Student organization
UiA Sub is a student organization at the University of Agder that focuses on developing advanced underwater technology, especially ROVs.
The purpose of UiASub is to offer students work-related projects that focus on building remotely operated and autonomous underwater equipment such as ROVs and AUVs. They design and manufacture underwater ROVs (Remote Operated Vehicles) that are mainly used for underwater inspections. Traditionally, they participate in local and international competitions in underwater technology.
Unexpected challenges and valuable lessons
During the development process, the team has encountered a number of challenges – many of them unexpected. Among the biggest technical challenges includes sourcing and manufacturing critical components, such as the telemetry canister, as well as programming the microcontrollers. The STM32 microcontroller, intended as a key component, has proven difficult to configure for all the intended tasks.
Organizationally, coordinating the construction work and ensuring all members had meaningful and suitable responsibilities was a demanding task. The greatest physical challenge has been getting the components to communicate effectively with each other.
Despite these challenges, the project has been a very important learning arena.
“Many of the biggest challenges appeared where we least expected them – but that is exactly why we have learned so much.”
Sverre Brattelid Stige
Leader UiA Submerged
The road ahead: new season, new goal
The experience and knowledge from this season form a solid foundation for further development. The goal for next season is clear: to participate in the TAC Challenge 2026. To succeed, K2 will be further developed, and new additional equipment will be installed. Both new and returning members will have the opportunity to contribute – and together lift UiA Sub to new heights.
At the same time, UiA Sub aims to strengthen the social environment within the organization. Low-key events, movie nights and parties are planned to create a sense of belonging and strenghtens the team – because a strong organization is built as much around good relationships as good projects.
UiA Sub particularly highlights the dedication of its members – students who use their own free time to develop both the project and themselves. They also extend a big thank you to Ixys:
“Thank you very much for your support and trust! With your help, we get to explore the subsea field in practice – which not only makes us better as students, but also opens doors for future careers in the industry.”
“At Ixys, we’re proud to support the talented students of UiA Submerged — the engineers of the future. We’re excited to follow the next chapter in K2’s journey.”
Anne Linn Olsen
Marketing Specialist, Ixys AS
