OUR TEAM

Over 70 students from the University of British Columbia, spanning the numerous disciplines within Engineering, as well as the fields of Science, Business, and Arts.

Software Team

  • The Software Team is responsible for designing, implementing, and testing POLARIS' software systems. They work at all levels, from pathfinding algorithms and physics simulations down to the interfaces between software, sensors, and actuators. Our project-specific website plays a pivotal role in achieving our team's outreach goals by presenting our vessel's collected data to scientists and non-technical viewers alike.

    • Global and local path planning algorithms - including OMPL

    • Universal CAN Communication Modules (UCCM)

    • Automated sensor data and communication management

    • Simulink based sailboat model and low-level controller design

    • Sail encoder (Custom-made rotary encoder)

    • Data communication and controller web-app

Electrical Team

  • The Electrical Team is split into Communications (COM) for data transmission, Drive (DRV) for navigation controls, and Power (PWR) for power management.

    Each project team focuses on distinct aspects of hardware and firmware development, including communication protocols, control systems, and power management, with opportunities to gain skills in system design, PCB development, and programming.

    • System Wiring Diagram

    • Communication Modules

    • Charge/Discharge Boards

    • Rudder PID

    • Battery System

Mechanical Team

  • The Mechanical Team is responsible for designing and building POLARIS' physical structure. They handle material sourcing, design testing, and boat construction. This ranges from composite design to hydrodynamic design! They are a well rounded team that likes to dig deep into many areas of design and engineering. 

    • Design of dual skeg hung rudders and drivetrain

    • Keel with cast lead bulb

    • Custom rigging and control system

    • Sensor and solar panel mounts

    • Layup and fairing of fully composite hull

    • Vacuum assisted layup and resin infusion process development

    • Stability and resistance analysis

Operations Team

  • The Operations Team includes encompasses the team’s business aspects including finance, marketing, public relations, and industry outreach.

    • Long- and short-term budget planning

    • Funding applications

    • Industry and sponsorship relations

    • Graphics and media design for public release

    • Sponsorship newsletters for technical insider of UBC Sailbot activities

Leadership Team

The leadership team contains all of the project leads, team leads, and co-captains from various sub-teams. They are responsible for team integration and higher level administration. This is on top of their technical responsibilities on their sub-teams.