This is The Typewriter Repairmen's page for the 2026 National Underwater Robotics Challenge, a competition put on by Si Se Puede in Tempe, AZ. Please visit their facebook page for latest updates.
The Typewriter Repairmen is a family robotics club. Jim, the Principal Instigator, is a "retired" mechanical engineer. He has worked with the local FIRST high school robotics team NERDS for the past 20 seasons as an engineering mentor, and discovered that it's about the most fun thing there is. Jim's daughter Carol has been playing with robots since high school in 2007. Jim's brother David is an Electrical Engineer at the University of Arizona's Steward Observatory, and also runs a side business Cathode Corner, which sells neat electronic gadgets. David's son Linus has been playing with robots since high school in 2012.
Link to the 2009 NURC robot notBob
Link to the 2010 NURC robot Babs
Link to the 2012 NURC autonomous robot Biff
All through the project we have been posting videos on youtube.
Contact us at jforb427@gmail.com
April 19, 2026
We had a meeting, with Jim, David, Carol, and Linus. Carol presented an idea for a new ROV, using 6 thrusters, a single plastic tube, onboard Lithium battery, and a small computer running an OS, such as an Orange Pi. David suggested modifying Cadet electronics to use two stationary cameras, and two displays, to prevent camera latency. We discussed several other things, but Jim failed to take notes, so doesn't have it all available. Jim and Carol got some ducks the RFID dome, to play with manipulating. Some ideas for this include parallel semi rigid bars that would capture the round head between them. Prototyping is needed.
David is building a new workshop, and can't really do any robot building right now. He gave Jim and Carol his supply of Cadet parts, so they can use any needed parts on a new ROV. Also Jim will contact Firewheel and see if they need some kits made up, although no one knows who will actually order which parts. Jim and Carol did a quick check on availability of thrusters and speed controllers, there are some available on Amazon still, but prices have gone up.
December 22 2025
We signed up for NURC.
Copyright 2009-2025 Jim Forbes, David Forbes