Riyadh: The Red Sea Rovers team from King Abdulaziz University (KAU) ranked seventh globally in the finals of the MATE ROV World Championship for underwater robotics in the PIONEER category. The team scored 374.67 points in the competition, hosted by Memorial University in Canada with the participation of 35 universities from around the world.

According to Saudi Press Agency, the achievement followed the team's development of an advanced remotely operated vehicle (ROV) designed as an integrated engineering system capable of carrying out exploratory and engineering missions in complex marine environments. The vehicle integrates control and sensing systems, enhancing its maneuverability and ability to operate under various conditions.

Work on the project took about two years at the Manufacturing Club at the Deanship of Student Affairs. The club provided a stimulating environment for developing practical skills and innovation among KAU students. It also helped transform the project into an engineering model capable of competing in one of the world's leading international competitions specializing in marine robotics.

In addition to the ROV's field performance, the championship's evaluation criteria included engineering and practical presentations, technical documentation, a marketing presentation, a collaborative mission, and safety and corporate responsibility standards. The criteria were designed to simulate the requirements of professional work in the marine and technology sectors.

The project was supported by KAU, the Scientific Endowment, and Johnson Controls Arabia. This support reflects the importance of partnerships between academic institutions and supporting entities in empowering national talent and strengthening its presence at international events. The accomplishment also reflects the quality of educational outcomes and the ability of Saudi youth to achieve scientific and engineering success at the global level.