Case Study: Desert WAVE advances autonomous underwater robotics with MakerBot 3D printing

Desert WAVE’s Autonomous Underwater Robots

Desert WAVE, an all-women’s robotics team founded by Si Se Puede Foundation in partnership with Arizona State University, needed a way to rapidly prototype and produce durable parts for its autonomous underwater vehicles. Working with MakerBot and the Method X 3D printer, the team could create customized components for testing and for use directly on robots operating in challenging underwater conditions.

MakerBot helped Desert WAVE 3D print parts ranging from prototypes to functional robot components, including a nylon carbon fiber gripper designed for strength and durability. The solution supported key capabilities on Dragon, such as manipulation, torpedo deployment, and object pickup, while also helping the team improve collaboration, technical writing, and project management. Desert WAVE’s earlier robot, Phoenix, earned top honors in the U.S. and ranked third globally, and the continued use of MakerBot technology has helped the team keep advancing its performance in RoboSub competitions.

Desert WAVE