Case Study: Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University achieves a watertight, award-winning autonomous vessel with Stratasys 3D printing

Embry-Riddle RobotX Challenge Submarine Rises to the Challenge

Students from Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University (Team Minion) needed a streamlined, watertight and highly functional housing for their entry in the Maritime RobotX Challenge. Faced with complex mounting geometries, heat and leakage concerns, and tight timelines that made subtractive manufacturing impractical, they turned to Stratasys for an additive manufacturing solution using a Fortus 900mc 3D printer and FDM Nylon 12 material.

Stratasys’ 3D printing enabled rapid production of high‑precision, hydrodynamic housings and difficult mounting parts, moving straight from CAD to printed components so the team—who began work in mid‑August—had the submarine in hand by early October. The result: Embry‑Riddle placed 4th overall and won the "Most Autonomous System" award, proving that Stratasys’ technology delivered the complex geometries, time savings and performance the team required.

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Eric Coyle

Faculty Advisor