Invention, Intellectual Property and Income¶
Final Project: Mini Catamaran for Caspian Sea Research¶
1. Dissemination Plan¶
The results of this project will be shared through several channels:
- Fab Academy documentation website;
- project presentations;
- demonstration videos;
- social media platforms;
- academic and research activities.
The main goal is to show how a low-cost autonomous catamaran can be used for environmental and scientific research in the Caspian Sea.
2. Future Possibilities¶
In the future, the Mini Catamaran can become a fully autonomous marine research platform.
Future improvements include:
- GPS navigation;
- depth sensors;
- environmental sensors;
- real-time data transmission;
- automatic seabed mapping.
To make these possibilities a reality, additional testing, programming, and system integration will be required.
3. Completed Tasks¶
The following tasks have been completed:
- designed the catamaran structure;
- created 3D models;
- manufactured the body using 3D printing;
- installed two motors;
- integrated the ESP32 microcontroller;
- connected the FlySky FS-A8S receiver;
- programmed the remote-control system;
- tested movement on water.
4. Remaining Tasks¶
The following tasks still need to be completed:
- install depth sensors;
- add GPS navigation;
- integrate environmental sensors;
- implement autonomous navigation;
- develop graphical seabed mapping.
5. What Is Working?¶
Currently working:
- remote-control system;
- ESP32 communication;
- motor operation;
- water movement;
- system integration.
6. What Is Not Working Yet?¶
The following functions are not completed yet:
- autonomous navigation;
- depth measurement;
- data transmission;
- graphical seabed mapping.
7. Questions to Be Resolved¶
Several questions still need to be answered:
- Which depth sensor is the most suitable?
- How will autonomous navigation be implemented?
- How will data be transmitted and stored?
- Which mapping software should be used?
8. Project Timeline¶
Short-term goals (1–3 months):
- improve stability;
- install sensors;
- perform additional tests.
Medium-term goals (3–6 months):
- integrate GPS;
- develop mapping functions.
Long-term goals (6–12 months):
- create a fully autonomous research platform.
9. What Have I Learned?¶
During this project, I learned:
- 2D design;
- 3D design;
- 3D printing;
- electronics integration;
- ESP32 programming;
- system integration;
- troubleshooting;
- project planning.
10. Intellectual Property and Income¶
This project is my original work and can be further developed for educational, scientific, and environmental purposes.
In the future, the project could create opportunities for:
- scientific collaborations;
- environmental monitoring services;
- educational demonstrations;
- commercial development of low-cost research platforms.
Although the project is still under development, it has strong potential for future applications.