International: Underwater Archeology via Robotic Systems

California Polytechnic State University Foundation, San Luis Obispo CA

Investigators

Abstract

With support from this International Research Experience for Students (IRES) grant, engineering students from California Polytechnic State University will travel to Malta and Italy to collaborate with Maltese archaeologists to investigate previously unexplored underwater archaeological sites, including the mapping of coastal shipwrecks and ancient cisterns located beneath fortresses, private homes, and churches. Using sonar-equipped Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROV), students will develop (1) Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) algorithms to construct 3D maps, and (2) new 3D visualization techniques for underwater robotics applications. In parallel with the research activities, students will participate in a Global Engineering course that explores the historical, archaeological and cultural aspects of research, education and collaboration through multiple national contexts. The research activities bring together an international team of archaeologists, robotics and visualization experts and has a range of broader impacts. For example, by systematically surveying cisterns, investigators are better able to understand the development of Malta's ancient water storage systems and subsequently inform current water management strategy and policy. The robotics and visualization technology developed will also be relevant to applications in oceanography, biology, homeland security and defense. Throughout the project, student investigators will communicate their results to multiple audiences, including bilingual English and Spanish students at Pacheco Elementary School in San Luis Obispo, CA.