My name is
and I'm on the hunt for crown of thorns
Introducing M8-R SIM – a virtual simulation game made for educating users on operating a remotely operated underwater vehicle, maneuvering through coral reefs, hunting for crown-of-thorns sea stars. Once found, extend M8-R’s arm with the injection device to zap the creature, saving the coral reefs from their long-term damaging effects.
Download the simulator and master your ROV piloting skills. You may even earn a spot on the top of the scoreboard!
Control the Population
The second largest sea stars in the world, COTS can grow to be over 20 inches wide. In one year, a single COT can devour nearly 120 square feet of coral. Currently, there are an estimated 4-12 million COTS in the oceans, making the impact on coral reefs colossal.
Due to the rate at which COTS multiply, how difficult they are to kill, and the fact that they are dangerous to handle, marine scientists are looking to robotics to assist in the attempt to control the COTS population.
Preparing Students &
Working-Adults for High Technology Careers
M8-R SIM was developed through a collaboration of NSF ATE Centers and a non-profit educational organization. Collaborators include Clemson University Center for Workforce Development, the National Center for Autonomous Technologies and MATE Inspiration for Innovation.
The simulation itself was designed by the team at Clemson University Center for Workforce Development (CUCWD), which has developed more than 140 simulations, all of which were developed to give students a real-world experience, while learning about careers in the technology fields.
“This simulator is a great tool for the young aspiring ROV pilot to get a sense of what flying an underwater vehicle is like.”
Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute
Who is
designed for?
Although the idea of M8-R SIM was derived for the use of MATE ROV Competition teams, it was designed to be used more widely. Educators are encouraged to download the simulator and use it in their classroom for a hands-on learning experience with students.
Students using the simulator will learn about the overall functions of an ROV and how to maneuver the vehicle safely, while also raising awareness about careers in STEM, the marine industry in general and the effects that climate change has on coral reefs.
Utilizing M8-R SIM in classrooms across the globe opens access to students who may have never even heard of an ROV, giving them an experience, and understanding of what they are and how they are used in real-life scenarios.
Let's Save the reefs!
Download the FREE simulator and master your ROV piloting skills. You may even earn a spot on the top of the scoreboard!
Developed by NSF ATE Community Members to Enhance STEM Learning in Virtual Environments
Through collaboration, two National Science Foundation (NSF) Advanced Technological Education Centers and a non-profit educational organization have developed M8-R SIM. Collaborators include Clemson University Center for Workforce Development (CUCWD), the National Center for Autonomous Technologies (NCAT) and MATE Inspiration for Innovation (MATE II).
