This summer, Water Linked welcomed four bright students to embark on an exciting journey of learning and innovation. We welcomed:
- Peder Brandstorp Sanden, who studies the Master of Cybernetics and Robotics at the Department of Engineering Cybernetics (ITK) at Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU).
- Aleksander Harildstad and Oda Skog Pedersen, who study the Master of Marine Technology at the Department of Marine Technology (IMT) at Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU).
- Susanna Munari, who is studying Marine and Maritime Intelligent Robotics, first at the University of Toulon and now via the Erasmus programme at Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU).
Our summer interns were tasked with developing a prototype testing drone that will serve as a platform for sensor fusion between UGPS, DVL, and future Water Linked sensors. During their internship, they fused the data from our DVL and our UGPS and showed how that can improve the autonomy of an underwater vehicle.
Their work
In the first week, the interns set up their platform by assembling a BlueROV2 with a heavy configuration. They familiarized themselves with BlueOS, the onboard sensors, and the Kalman filter and began testing data fusion. They enhanced the system's reliability by fine-tuning system parameters and reducing testing variations. The interns then successfully fused the sensors and refined the data analysis tools.
For their final demonstration, they showcased their work to Water Linked employees. They had their BlueROV autonomously navigate waypoints underwater, first using only the DVL and then combining DVL and UGPS data to eliminate drift. The challenge was to hit a suspended target at the end of the waypoint navigation mission.
Through this, the interns demonstrated that autonomous waypoint navigation is possible with just the DVL and becomes significantly more precise when integrating UGPS.
After completing autonomous navigation, they plotted the 3D seabed point cloud using DVL and pressure sensor data. Following a lawnmower pattern, they captured depth and altitude information, and the resulting plot provided good seafloor insights.
Want to know more about the data fusion done during this project?
We will release the first rudimentary user guide on fusing the DVL data with the UGPS within a few weeks after publishing this blogpost. This guide will be added to our online documentation, which you can find here:
Their journey
Our interns’ experience went far beyond just technical achievements, though. Here's a look into their journey, from problem-solving to teamwork, and why it was such a valuable experience.
Why Water Linked?
The decision of the interns to join Water Linked stemmed from more than just the technical challenge. One intern explained how the company’s focus on practical, real-world applications appealed to them:
“When applying for summer internships, I wanted to be part of a project that wouldn’t just end up archived. Water Linked offered a chance to create something valuable and real.”
Another intern reflected on how the internship helped them confirm their career path:
“It was an opportunity to see if my choice to specialize in marine cybernetics was the right one—and it was! The mix of autonomy, sensors, and real-world impact was exactly what I wanted.”
Overcoming Expectations
Many of the interns were intrigued by the complexity of setting up and troubleshooting the system. One said,
“I wasn’t expecting it to be so complex to set everything up. Once we got past the challenges, it was really exciting to see it all come together.”
The structured yet dynamic environment played a huge role in driving their success. The team’s daily stand-up meetings at 9 a.m. helped keep everyone aligned, but it was the more formal, in-depth meetings later in the project that brought clarity and momentum. The presence of Water Linked experts, including engineers with deep knowledge of the systems, was instrumental in moving the project forward.
Learning by Doing: Practical Meets Theoretical
One of the most appreciated aspects of the internship was the hands-on experience. The interns had the chance to apply theoretical knowledge in a real-world setting, which they felt was a unique opportunity.
“In school, we mostly deal with theory. At Water Linked, we had the chance to integrate sensors and really work on practical solutions. That was something new for all of us.”
The access to Water Linked’s seasoned engineers made the experience even more rewarding. The interns were able to walk over to someone who had written the math behind a sensor they were struggling with and ask for help. The immediate feedback and guidance helped them understand complex systems more deeply.
Turning Challenges into Solutions
During their internship, the team worked with an ROV's existing infrastructure and modified it to allow for smoother operations. They encountered multiple roadblocks at the start but persevered by resolving problems one by one. Their modifications led to the creation of reusable blocks of programming that make autonomous navigation with our DVLs and UGPS accessible to many. By solving these technical challenges, the interns not only advanced the project but also created a robust foundation for future developments at Water Linked. One of the interns shared:
“We found what was blocking the system at the beginning, then fixed those problems and turned them into functional building blocks that can now be used by almost anyone.”
Key Takeaways and Skills for the Future
The interns walked away from the summer with valuable lessons in problem-solving, system integration, and time management. One intern noted:
“I never realized how deep systems are, with so many different layers. This knowledge will definitely help me in future projects.”
They also learned how to prioritize tasks, manage deadlines, and work as a cohesive team. The ability to tackle a “black box”—something large and complex that they didn’t fully understand—was a key skill they developed.
“We learned how to break things down bit by bit until we understood how to solve the problem.”
Proud Moments and Team Spirit
Despite the challenges, the team experienced several proud moments, from completing successful ROV missions to finally resolving error messages in the system. One of the most exciting moments was when the DVL and UGPS systems fused successfully for the first time, marking a major breakthrough in their project.
"When the last error message disappeared, we were waiting for another one to appear, but then it didn’t, and we were so happy! Because then we were going beyond what anyone has ever done within this system, and we started to make a real contribution."
And, of course, the internship wasn’t all work. The interns fondly remembered going out together after work and their game nights and volleyball matches with the Water Linked team—though they still regret losing the final volleyball game against the fixed-staff team!
The Power of Teamwork
Teamwork was a crucial element in the success of the project. With their varied backgrounds, the interns complemented each other’s strengths and were able to collaborate effectively.
“We weren’t afraid to challenge each other’s ideas and then work together to find the best solution,” one intern recalled. This open-mindedness and willingness to learn from each other helped them tackle complex issues more efficiently.
The ability to bounce ideas off one another, work in pairs, and rely on each other’s expertise contributed to a strong team dynamic. “We filled in each other’s weaknesses,” one intern shared. “Everyone had something they were really good at, and we supported each other throughout.”
Looking Forward
The internship at Water Linked provided these students with invaluable real-world experience and confirmed that they were on the right path in their careers. Whether working with cutting-edge sensor technology or learning how to crawl out of the metaphorical ‘rabbit hole’ of complex systems, they’re taking these lessons with them as they continue their education and future careers.
This summer wasn’t just about learning—it was about growing, building something real, and confirming their passion for underwater technology. We couldn’t be prouder of what they’ve achieved!
At Water Linked, we believe in giving students the chance to work on meaningful projects that make a real impact. Are you ready to dive into an internship like this? Stay tuned for more opportunities to join our team and make a difference in the world of underwater robotics!