Table of Contents
An inventive autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) with potential industrial uses in fisheries, marine ecology, and maritime security has been created by a group of Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB) Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) students. IUB BongoMarine’s invention has already gained international acclaim and earned a place in the esteemed Singapore Autonomous Underwater Vehicle Challenge (SAUVC) 2025.
AUV Applications
Fish population monitoring, underwater habitat mapping, marine waste management, maritime accident rescue operations, and naval security are just a few of the many uses for the AUV, which is built to navigate and carry out intricate tasks in difficult underwater conditions.
Because of these qualities, the project is positioned as a beneficial innovation for tackling important issues related to marine safety, ecological preservation, and fisheries. Additional opportunities in these areas may become available if the prototype is scaled up for wider industrial application.
IUB BongoMarine Development
“This device was developed after countless hours of research, prototyping, and testing,” IUB BongoMarine Team Director Noor-E Sadman stated. “To function well in harsh underwater environments, it combines sophisticated navigation systems, machine learning algorithms, and accurate mechanical engineering.
If this technology can be used in sectors that are essential to our economy, we would be proud. It may have an even greater impact if it were scaled up.
The team includes Mukut Protim Memo (Fabrication Lead), Md. Abdun Fattah Lam (Fabrication Co-Lead), Md. Hana Sultan Chowdhury (System Integration Lead), Rahat Hasan Shihab (Technical and Mechanical Lead), and Tahfizul Hasan Zihan (Strategic and Hardware Lead).
IUB’s AUV Prototyped
Technical assistance was supplied by IUB’s Center for Industrial Automation, Robotics and Internet of Things (RIoT Research Center). The Fab Lab IUB, a world-renowned engineering fabrication laboratory that promotes innovation via state-of-the-art technology and practical experimentation, is where the AUV was conceived and prototyped.
Leading energy specialist and IUB Vice Chancellor Prof. M. Tamim praised the team’s work, saying, “This project demonstrates how academic institutions can help solve real-world problems and exemplifies the innovative spirit of our students.”
The AUV could have a big impact on sectors including marine ecology and safety, as well as fisheries management. IUB is spearheading this endeavor, which makes me proud. This prototype’s industrial usefulness could be further increased by scaling it up.
“It is a clear demonstration of how technical knowledge can be applied to create practical solutions,” stated Dr. Saadia Binte Alam, who is the head of the IUB’s Department of Computer Science and Engineering.
“Our students have combined theoretical understanding with engineering skills to tackle complex underwater challenges, showcasing their potential to contribute to advanced technological development both locally and globally.”
RIoT Research Center’s Director Appreciates AUV Project
The RIoT Research Center’s director, Dr. Mohammad Faisal Uddin, commended the team’s accomplishment and emphasized the project’s prospective uses.
“BongoMarine’s AUV is a prime example of the state-of-the-art research and innovation taking place at IUB. It has enormous industrial application potential, particularly in vital fields like rescue operations and underwater habitat mapping.
The lab’s dedication to fostering future innovators was emphasized by Dr. Mahady Hasan, Director of Fab Lab IUB, who stated: “At Fab Lab IUB, we empower students to turn their ideas into reality through cutting-edge prototyping and engineering solutions.
“We are thrilled to see how this AUV initiative may influence business and research, and its success is a testament to the ability and commitment of our students.”
