About

The Erie Canal holds significant ecological, economic, and cultural value. There is an opportunity to engage the local community in understanding and preserving the canal through hands-on educational outreach and citizen science initiatives.

The proposed solution is an autonomous robot designed to float along the Erie Canal, utilizing sonar technology to scan and map the canal’s depths. The robot will autonomously navigate the canal, gathering real-time data on depth variations, sediment buildup, and potential underwater obstacles. This data will support scientific research, environmental monitoring, and conservation efforts. Furthermore, by sharing its findings and progress with the community, this robot will serve as a tool for public outreach, fostering community engagement and educational opportunities related to local waterway health and history.