http://squirm.tech provides the information necessary to build and use the Maker Boat Basic, which is an autonomous surface vehicle, and will be referred to as ‘the autonomous surface vehicle’ for the remainder of the disclaimer section. In this disclaimer, ‘autonomous surface vehicle’ refers to the vehicle itself, regardless of its mode of operation (manual or autonomous), and all associated hardware and software, including, but not limited to, the ground station used to program and execute missions and view any real-time data (computer, tablet, or smartphone), remote controller, batteries, chargers, and the like.
The information provided here is for instructional use only and the author(s) assume no liability or responsibility for its contents, the misuse, intentional or otherwise, of its contents, or any damages resulting from distribution, authorized or not, by third parties.
The following information is distributed under a creative commons license and is provided ‘As Is’ without any warranty of any kind, expressed or implied.
Hyperlinks (hereafter, simply ‘links’ or ‘link’) to documentation, downloads (software/firmware), or specific products are provided for reference purposes only and are not to be interpreted as an endorsement of any kind. The author(s) are not responsible for any of the content or information provided by any link in this document or for any browser information gathered by the websites, internet service providers, website host(s), hackers, or other malicious actors. The author(s) are not responsible for any malware on any website linked to in this document or any malicious use or distribution of this document that aims to implement malware. Click at your own risk.
The following instructions detail the construction of an autonomous surface vessel that is powered by Lithium Polymer (LiPo) batteries and propelled by high-powered thrusters. Manufacturer defects, damage, or misuse of any component may lead to fire, serious injury, death, and/or property damage. Read all user manuals, quick-start guides, and other relevant documentation before proceeding. The user is responsible for following all rules, regulations, and best practices related to the storage, handling, charging, and discharging of LiPo batteries. Furthermore, the user is responsible for following all relevant rules and best practices governing the use of the tools described in this document, including soldering irons, 3D printers, hand-tools, and power tools.
The following instructions make use of third-party, off-the-shelf commercial hardware and software and the authors are not responsible for bugs, flaws, or defects of any kind, or for any subsequent damages, originating from the aforementioned. Always use trusted distributors and resellers and avoid cheap hardware clones. The latest stable distributions of software and firmware should always be used and users assume the responsibility of performing any required updates. Users are responsible for any modifications to hardware and/or software.
A Bill of Materials that lists each component, its source (seller or reseller), and price is provided for reference purposes only. Prices and availability are determined by sellers and resellers and are subject to change without warning and are in no way guaranteed. If ordering through any of the links provided in this document or Bill of Materials, the user is responsible for all subsequent costs, including the cost of purchase, sales tax, and any other associated costs, including, but not limited to, credit card and bank transfer fees, currency conversions, shipping and handling, and any and all applicable tariffs and/or customs fees or import duties.
Operation of an autonomous surface vessel may be restricted or prohibited. Even when permitted, operation of an autonomous surface vehicle may be unsafe and, therefore, unwise in certain locations, including high-traffic waterways and public beaches, or under certain conditions, including strong currents, high winds, waves, rain, low visibility (fog, haze, dust, etc.), and/or electrical storms. Users assume all responsibility and liability for any and all operational outcomes, including partial or total loss of an autonomous surface vehicle, fines and fees, criminal charges, and legal actions.
Radio frequencies are subject to regulation. The user assumes responsibility for compliance with any and all regulations governing the use of electrical devices, GPS/GNSS, and radio and wireless transmission. The authors of this document are not responsible for any damages, legal or financial, that may arise from unauthorized use or interference caused by hardware and software described in this document.
Users are responsible for all sensors, cameras, and other measurement devices installed on the autonomous surface vehicle. The authors assume no responsibility for damage or destruction of sensors, cameras, or other devices installed on the autonomous surface vehicle.
Maritime data collection and/or access to some coastal, marine, and aquatic areas may require permits and/or prior authorization from relevant authorities. Users are responsible for obtaining and maintaining any and all necessary permits and authorization prior to collecting data with the autonomous surface vehicle described in this document. The author(s) assume no responsibility for the loss of an autonomous surface vehicle due to seizure by authorities nor are they responsible for any legal actions that may follow. Furthermore, the user assumes all liability for damages caused by an autonomous surface vehicle to sensitive marine habitats, including, but not limited to wetlands, seagrass, and coral reefs, and cultural heritage sites including, but not limited to, shipwrecks and archaeological sites.
The author(s) are not responsible for any loss of data. The author(s) are also not responsible for data security or the management and distribution of any data collected through the use of the autonomous surface vehicle that is described herein. Furthermore, wireless devices may currently be or may become vulnerable to cyber attack (hacking) and the user assumes all responsibility for preventing such an attack, such as changing default passwords and using two-factor identification, for example. The author(s) assume no responsibility for a cyber attack that involves the autonomous surface vehicle, directly or indirectly, and/or the wireless networks with which it communicates. Institutional users are responsible for adhering to internal information security guidelines and regulations as specified by their institution and for ensuring that the autonomous surface vehicle adheres to any and all such guidelines and regulations.
The autonomous surface vehicle described herein may not be used to harass marine life, especially protected species.
The autonomous surface vehicle described herein may only be used for education, research, and economic development activities that serve to benefit society and the environment. Envisioned applications include education and outreach, aquaculture monitoring, shallow bathymetric mapping, and marine/aquatic research activities. Any deliberate criminal activities are expressly prohibited and the author(s) assume no responsibility or liability for any acts of harassment, violence, or other unspecified criminal activity, including, but not limited to, acts of espionage, smuggling/trafficking, and/or terrorism.
Autonomous vehicles may be mistaken for military and/or police equipment and the user must take appropriate care when operating in sensitive and/or disputed locations.
Following these instructions does not guarantee a successful outcome. Even a perfectly functional autonomous surface vehicle is subject to risks, known and unknown, encountered in marine environments.