Who We Are
We are an interdisciplinary team of student engineers from Duke University dedicated to advancing the field of robotics.
We provide a hands-on learning environment where members can enhance their design, programming, and engineering skills.
We are a community of like-minded individuals who collaborate, share ideas, and inspire each other in the ever-evolving world of robotics.
What We Do
We compete annually in the RoboSub underwater robotics competition. RoboSub is a US Navy-sponsored competition that challenges student teams to design and build autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs).
These vehicles are designed to navigate complex underwater tasks autonomously. Every year, over 40 teams from around the world come together to demonstrate their mastery of robotics engineering.
We have participated since our founding in 2001, consistently placing in the semifinals or higher every year we’ve competed.
Meet Oogway
Oogway is the culmination of over 20 years of experience in building AUVs.
Oogway features a modular design with cutting-edge software for precise navigation and object recognition, and novel hardware for environmental interaction, demonstrating our team’s commitment to advancing underwater robotics.
This AUV incorporates a seamlessly integrated system of independently developed and tested components, ensuring robust functionality and high performance in competitive underwater missions
Watch our RoboSub 2024 Competition Video
Meet our sub-teams
Computer Science
The CS team programs the AUV to navigate autonomously and perform tasks underwater using advanced algorithms for motion control, path planning, and object recognition. Their work enables the AUV to interact with its environment effectively.
Electrical
The Electrical team designs the power systems, custom PCBs, and hardware to ensure reliable communication between components in underwater conditions. They also develop technology to locate acoustic pings and optimize power and heat management.
Mechanical
The Mechanical team creates the AUV’s framework, watertight enclosures, and custom parts to ensure durability and functionality underwater. They use CAD and 3D printing for prototyping, producing a robust AUV capable of object manipulation.
What we offer
The Duke Robotics Club is a great opportunity to gain project experience that is not available in a normal classroom setting.
You’ll gain hands-on experience in engineering, inter-team communication, and learn many industry standard tools which prepare you for internship and job opportunities.
This low-stress environment is a great place to explore and practice new skills, make mistakes, and learn from them. You’ll also have the chance to get to know upperclassmen that have lots of knowledge to pass along!
We host several events outside of the lab, including team dinners and social events. We can’t wait to meet you!
Join us!
No prior experience required! Hop in during any one of our meetings. We meet every Thursday and Saturday.
Thursdays: 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Saturdays: 12 pm – 2 pm
The Foundry – Gross Hall, Lower Level (Directions)
140 Science Dr
Durham, NC 27708
The Duke Robotics Club is a student-run organization in Duke University’s Pratt School of Engineering. Our mission is to provide Duke undergraduate and graduate students a place to pursue their interest in robotics by working on high-impact, large-scale robotics projects and competitions, primarily in the realm of Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs). These projects allow our talented students to hone their skills and demonstrate the strength of Duke Engineering.