Reusing and Repurposing SeaMATE Kit Materials
At MATE, longevity and reusability are key commitments in marine technology education. With SeaMATE kits, students and educators can engage in hands-on learning while making the most of their materials. Designed for repeat use and easy adaptation, SeaMATE kits offer a practical approach to underwater robotics. Below, we explore the durable features of each kit and share ideas for repurposing parts after project completion.
Reusability in SeaMATE Kits
AngelFish Kit
The AngelFish ROV Kit is specifically designed to be a re-usable ROV kit. Once completed and used, a few components can be removed and discarded. An AngelFish Refresh Kit can be purchased inexpensively, and the kit can be re-built by a new set of students. You can purchase the AngelFish refresh kit here.
PufferFish Kit
The PufferFish ROV kit is semi-reusable. The control board with all the components soldered onto it can be removed, and a PufferFish Circuit Board Refresh Kit with new components can be purchased.
TriggerFish Kit
The TriggerFish ROV kit is semi-reusable. Both control boards with all the components soldered onto them can be removed, and a replacement board with new components can be purchased. Purchase the refresh kit here.
Barracuda Kit
The Barracuda ROV kit follows the same sustainable approach as the TriggerFish Kit. By swapping out the control boards with a Barracuda Control Board Replacement Kit, students can extend the kit’s lifecycle while reducing material waste.
Creative Ways to Repurpose ROV Parts
PVC Frames: The PVC pipes from AngelFish and PufferFish kits can be repurposed into classroom organizers, new ROV designs, or structural supports for other STEM projects.
Motors & Propellers: These components can be used in small DIY underwater exploration projects or to study propulsion and fluid dynamics.
Electronics & Wiring: Salvaged electronic components can be incorporated into custom robotics projects, Arduino experiments, or basic circuit training exercises.
Floats & Buoyancy Materials: Foam and other buoyancy materials can be used for physics experiments, floating gardens, or environmental monitoring projects.
New and Exciting Additions to MATE’s Offerings
MATE is thrilled to introduce two new products to enhance your ROV-building experience:
MATE ROV Academy Tool Kit – This kit includes everything you need to assemble nearly any of our ROVs. From the AngelFish to the Barracuda, you will have all the essential tools required! Learn what's included and shop the Tool Kit here.
PVC Frame Kit (AngelFish/PufferFish) – The SeaMATE PVC Frame Kit provides the parts and pieces to design a simple, effective frame for your AngelFish or PufferFish ROV kits. Learn more and shop the PVC Frame Kit here.
Reminder: MATE Floats! Vertical Profiler Kit
Don’t forget to explore the Mate Floats Vertical Profiler Kit! This is a simple kit (not an actual float) intended to introduce SCOUT and NAVIGATOR teams to the idea of designing and building a vertical profiling float and to help them to complete the MATE Floats! Task.
The MATE Floats! Vertical Profiler kit has a power cord kit, a switch for controlling the float, a tether, and a single motor to move the profiler up and down in the water column. Extra wires in the tether can be used to connect a temperature sensor from the profiler to the surface.
Making Waves in Reusability
By prioritizing reusability in marine technology, MATE empowers students to think critically about maximizing resources while exploring the depths of underwater robotics. Whether through refreshing kits, repurposing components, or discovering new innovations, the journey toward hands-on and long-lasting STEM education continues!