To promote the innovation and development of underwater intelligent robot technology, the MURC–WUURC 2024 (3rd World University Underwater Robotics Competition), jointly organized by the China Association of Shipbuilding Industry, Harbin Engineering University, The Center for Robotics Development- The Center of Robotics (MUR), Maritime State University named after admiral G.I. Nevelskoy, Far Eastern Federal University and MARINET, is scheduled to be held in Vladivostok, Russia in early July 2024. The competition aims to inspire innovative talent development and promote international student exchange, creating a platform for young scholars from China and abroad to interact and innovate in the field of underwater intelligent robotics. Details of the competition are as follows:

1. Organization

The Chinese Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers

Harbin Engineering University

The Center for Robotics Development- The Center of Robotics (MUR)

Maritime State Universitv named after admiral G.I. Nevelskoy

Far Eastern Federal University

MARINET

2. Competition Schedule

Early July 2024 (dates for registration and training will be notified separately).

3. Track Settings and Participants

(1) Competition Tracks

The competition consists of three tracks: Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) track, Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) track, and Creative Concept track. Each participating team selects the appropriate track according to the type of robot, technical parameters, and competition conditions. The AUV and ROV tracks are physical technology competitions, while the Creative Concept track is a creative design competition. For specific competition rules, please refer to Appendix 1 and Appendix 2.

(2) Participants

The competition is open to students currently enrolled in universities and research institutes worldwide. Each institution can recommend an unlimited number of participating teams. For the AUV track, each team consists of 2-10 members, for the ROV track, each team consists of 2-5 members, with no more than 3 instructors per team. The number of offline participants for each team shall not exceed 5. For the Creative Concept track, each team shall not exceed 3 members, with no more than 2 instructors per team.

4. Participation Method

The competition venue is located in Vladivostok, Russia. The registration location will be notified separately.

Teams participating in the AUV or ROV tracks will compete on-site in Vladivostok. Teams participating in the Creative Concept track are required to submit original English design reports based on AUV/ROV operation requirements, demonstrating their innovative underwater robot design.

5. Awards

The competition will award first, second, and third prizes based on scores, from highest to lowest. For the AUV and ROV tracks, works will be scored based on on-site operation. For the Creative Concept track, works will be scored based on the design reports submitted by the teams and their presentation performance.

6. Registration and Other Matters

Please submit the registration form (Appendix 3) and team photos to the designated email address w2urc@hrbeu.edu.cn before April 20th. The email subject should be marked: XX University - XX Track - Team Name. After successful registration, the organizing committee will create a competition communication group and invite each team leader to join.

There is no registration fee for this competition. Teams are responsible for their own transportation and accommodation expenses. Harbin Engineering University will coordinate accommodation arrangements, and information on hotels and dining arrangements will be provided separately.

Appendix 1 contains the English version of the competition rules, and Appendix 2 contains the Chinese translation for reference only. For any discrepancies, the English version of the rules shall prevail.

7. Contact Information

Contact Person: Zhang Chenqi

Phone: 0451-82519724, 13796682806

Email: w2urc@hrbeu.edu.cn

Official Website: www.w2urc.org