Cornell AutoBoat

The team

Cornell AutoBoat is a student-led engineering team focused on advancing naval architecture and marine robotics through hands-on innovation. Composed of undergraduate students from diverse majors and colleges, the team dedicates each year to researching, designing, and building an autonomous boat capable of motion planning, object detection, sensor fusion, and performing robotic tasks. Competing annually in RoboNation’s international RoboBoat competition in Sarasota, FL, Cornell AutoBoat gives students the opportunity to apply classroom knowledge to real-world engineering challenges. Our students work in a fast-paced environment while building technical skills, leadership experience, and lifelong connections with an incredible community of engineers.

Support

We compete in the international RoboBoat competition organized by RoboNation. In February 2026, Cornell AutoBoat competed in its fourth in-person RoboBoat competition and placed first among U.S. teams and fifth internationally! This achievement would not have been possible without the support of our donors, whose contributions allow us to design, build, test, and compete at the highest level.

RoboBoat brings together university teams from around the world to showcase advancements in autonomous maritime systems. Each year, teams are challenged to develop autonomous vessels capable of navigating complex courses, detecting and interacting with objects, and completing a variety of maritime tasks.

As we continue developing our next generation of autonomous boats and preparing for future international competition, your support helps us push the boundaries of maritime autonomy while giving Cornell students invaluable hands-on engineering experience.

Will you support our mission as we continue advancing autonomous maritime systems on the global stage?

As a registered student organization, we are committed to equal access to all of our programs and do not discriminate based on any protected identity status.