VARUN represents a technological dream achieved by a team of DCE students for competing in the Autonomous Underwater Vehicle Competition held by AUVSI every year.
It has been designed using the latest technologies in mechanical and electronic instrumentation with cutting edge software developed from the ground up. This project showcases the viability of this kind of robot not only as a research test bed, but also as a useful platform for shallow water applications. It has been designed with a view to achieve maximum operational standards and reliability with minimal payload and power requirements. It is a submersible, untethered robot that is capable of performing complex tasks without aid from human operators.
The team is composed of a group of undergraduate students headed by their faculty advisor. Ever since its inception, the team has been collaborating intensively with local, national and international resources. The team secured the 14th position in the International AUVSI competition held at SSC Transdec, San Diego in the year 2009. The fourth generation team is developing a completely new prototype, using better technologies and hopes to fare much better this year.