Underwater robots were everywhere at the Lincoln City Community Center for the 2018 MATE ROV competition. Elementary school, high school and college level teams demonstrated their robots in the Lincoln City Community Center pools.

Over 40 teams brought their remotely operated vehicles (ROV) to Lincoln City with the intent to perform underwater tasks and get the most points. Points were given for smallest and lightest vehicle. Points were also given for performing tasks such as recovering a plane tail section and installing power generation equipment. Additional points were awarded for a presentation on how the team would get the job done and keeping to a budget.

The top teams from the Explorer (college) and Ranger (high school) levels will be qualified to go to The 2018 MATE international ROV competition, which will take place June 21-23 at the Weyerhaeuser King County Aquatic Center in Federal Way, Wash., USA.