July 2025
Underwater robotics blends engineering, computer science, and marine science — fields essential to America’s future workforce in marine commerce, ocean exploration, technology innovation, and national security. Thanks to the Marine Advanced Technology Education (MATE) Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) program, the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation, and Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary, the development of these skills is full speed ahead in northeast Michigan.
From June 19–21, 2025, the marine sanctuary in Alpena, Michigan hosted the 2025 MATE ROV Competition World Championship, welcoming more than 1,000 students representing 22 U.S. states and 18 countries.
Jeff Gray, superintendent of Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary, says that his team is proud to host the MATE ROV World Championship. “Bringing thousands of people to northeast Michigan has a real economic impact on our community, and it gives residents the chance to connect with people from around the world. For the students, it’s an opportunity to experience a place where real-world research happens nearly every day.
Each year, student teams push the envelope of innovation.The top-placing teams across all three categories this year (Ranger, Pioneer, and Explorer) demonstrated out-of-the-box thinking with more thrusters, cameras, and unique ROV designs. Many turned to everyday items, like ping pong balls and measuring cups, to not only increase effectiveness, but reduce cost.
A History of Robotics Competitions in Alpena
Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary’s connection with MATE dates back nearly to the sanctuary’s designation 25 years ago. A local high school teacher — and one of the first members of the Sanctuary Advisory Council — helped form the bridge between the two organizations. When Steve Kroll applied for a mathematics teaching position at Alpena High School, he mentioned he wanted to start a robotics team. The principal supported the idea enthusiastically. Kroll then turned to his connection at Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary for ideas, workspace, and mentorship.
“We didn’t exactly know what we were getting into, so when I was at the end of my expertise, I reached out to the sanctuary. There was a lot of support and no opposition, so the whole process became really fun,” recalls Kroll.
When MATE began hosting regional events, Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary became one of the first competition sites. It still holds a regional competition every May. Over the past 20 years, the number of teams has grown and their technical skills have advanced significantly. Today, events like the World Championship attract top engineering companies scouting for emerging talent.
Training the Next Generation
“This competition is about putting a business together,” says Kroll. “That is what these teams are really doing. They aren’t just designing and building a robot, they are marketing it, and giving a business presentation too. It ties together everything teachers are trying to teach.”
For the students involved, the competitions are a gateway to many career opportunities in robotics, engineering, and more. Laura Smith of Rose VG Robotics in Terre Haute, Indiana, credits the MATE competition with launching her career.
“I got a job specifically because I was in this competition,” Smith shared. “I will be working with a company that manufactures custom aircraft while following Federal Aviation Administration regulations. My title is design and test engineer — which is the coolest thing ever,” she exclaimed.
Many of the participants feel that involvement in the competition offers them STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) experiences and a competitive edge outside of the classroom. “A lot of people go through engineering school without getting hands-on experience like we do here,” Smith adds.
Smith started as an engineer on her team, using a lot of problem solving to bring textbook theory to life. However, as she moved up the team leadership ranks she realized the importance of good documentation, time management, and people skills. Smith explains that these are essential real world experiences that you can’t simply learn from a text book.
Ken Shibantani, and his team Hydromeda, drove all the way from Texas for this year’s competition.
“The biggest thing about competitions like this is that it really puts students on their feet, meaning you take the classes, but that doesn’t take you far. Application is where you get most of your knowledge,” he said.
Shibantani hopes for a future career designing robots that support humans rather than replace them. He sees ROVs as a promising field, given the unexplored nature of the ocean and challenging conditions. Participating in MATE competitions has given him global insight into how others approach problem-solving and engineering—insight that inspires fresh ideas for future seasons.
All Eyes on Alpena, Michigan
NOAA’s Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary headquarters and the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center are in Alpena, Michigan, a town of about 10,000 people. The influx of visitors during the championship was noticeable — and welcomed — by local businesses and community members. The mayor spoke at the opening ceremony and attended the awards event. Many expressed pride in being home to a national treasure that draws international events, as well as national tech and military events like Silent Swarm and the Uncrewed Triple Challenge.
“Bringing the world championship back to Alpena — where we held it in 2014 — is incredibly special. Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary offers students a one-of-a-kind opportunity to engage with marine technology and maritime heritage,” said Jill Zande, MATE executive director at the Marine Technology Society.
More than 1,000 students representing 22 U.S. states and 18 countries gathered at the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center in Alpena, Michigan for the 2025 MATE ROV World Championship. Photo: Sarah Morrison/NOAA
Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary’s outdoor Maritime Technology Training Tank provided a great spot for ROV timed mission tasks, an exciting part of the competition. Teams had 15 minutes to complete as many challenges as possible, all inspired by real-world work at Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary — such as documenting a historic shipwreck, deploying a mooring buoy, and collecting and analyzing water samples.
“It’s incredible to think that teams from around the world are studying our sanctuary to prepare for this competition,” said Gray. “And it’s not just the teams that made it to Alpena for the world championship—thousands of students around the globe learned about Thunder Bay, the Great Lakes, and the importance of the National Marine Sanctuary System while competing in regional events. That kind of global engagement shows just how powerful these programs can be in shaping the next generation of explorers and engineers.”
In addition to Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary, MATE ROV regional competitions are also held at Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary and Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary.
The Future of Ocean Innovation
America’s national marine sanctuaries use ROVs and autonomous underwater vehicles to monitor underwater natural and cultural resources. Joel Johnson, CEO of the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation, says the ocean holds immense promise for science, innovation, and careers.
“The ocean remains one of our planet’s last frontiers,” Johnson said. “Largely unmapped, unexplored, and filled with promise, it holds the key to the next wave of scientific breakthroughs, innovative solutions to global challenges, and rewarding careers.”
He emphasizes that programs like MATE ROV help prepare the next generation to meet that future.
“We should all take inspiration from the next generation of underwater scientists and explorers seizing opportunities like MATE ROV,” he said. “With the support of the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation, we can empower young people to develop critical skills, spark their curiosity, and solve real-world problems in ways only America’s national marine sanctuaries can provide.”
The 2026 MATE ROV Competition World Championship will take place at Memorial University in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.
Sarah Morrison is the media and outreach specialist for Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary
Rachel Plunkett is the content manager and senior writer/editor for NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries