The Makerspace is home to creative pursuits, and a recent one has been the Physics Club’s effort to put together its own miniature robot boat.

Inspired by an online video about the aerodynamics and fuel efficiency of boats, the club decided to try their hand at the job and replicate the boat for themselves.

“Originally our inspiration was from a video online that uses aerodynamics to make a boat that consumes less fuel and we wanted to replicate it,” senior Hank Xue said.

Shortly after the work started, the project was moved into the Makerspace after it became clear they didn’t have the proper materials for the effort.

“Mr. Nolin helped us with finding [and ordering] motors and all the parts,” Xue said. “Mrs. Kenney helped us with using the saw in Robotics.”      

The project is still very new, so the boat has not been built yet, but they have already completed the main design.

“Our plan is to build the main body first, using a surfboard and some materials we have now,” said Xue, “then we’re going to put the transmitters, motors and the batteries on that, and we will adjust the center of mass of the boat so that it can drive on the water and not flip over.”

According to Xue, the process has been challenging, but the club members who work on the project have had fun. They currently aim to have the boat completed by April in time for the physics boat race, where they could show it off.

“The physics students and the physics honor students will have a boat race [where] they use cardboard to make a boat and try to cross the lake…we want to possibly show it [then],” said Xue.