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Published : 18 Jun 2026, 12:20 PM
An autonomous underwater vehicle built by BRAC University’s student robotics team BRACU DUBURI has won the Best Project Award at the 2026 Project Showcasing Competition, organised by the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh (IEB).
The competition was organised at IEB Headquarters in Dhaka’s Ramna on Jun 13 to give engineering students across Bangladesh a platform to showcase their work.
The BRACU DUBURI team presented their vehicle, called the Dubomini, as part of the university’s efforts in pursuing advanced research and building underwater robotic systems with practical, real-world applications, which it has done since 2017.
“Dubomini is a small robotic submarine that can operate on its own underwater, without anyone steering it by hand,” BRAC said in a press release.
“It can move in any direction and orientation it needs to, much like a skilled swimmer twisting and turning underwater, allowing it to navigate tight spaces and complete tasks with precision.”
The vehicle is powered by batteries and includes a smart power system that maintains its motor system and onboard computer running independently so that power dips do not affect both systems simultaneously.
“Cameras and sensors let it sense its depth, direction, and surroundings, while onboard software helps it recognise objects and obstacles and decide how to react, much the way a self-driving car reads the road,” the press release said.
“All of this lets Dubomini carry out missions like passing through underwater gates, avoiding obstacles and identifying targets, largely on its own.”
BRAC says the award reflects the university’s commitment to advancing the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, particularly on quality education, industry innovation, and infrastructure, and partnerships.
