Date added: 2026-07-07
URWIS - a student-built water drone designed to support rescue teams
The project is being developed by students from the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Ship Technology at Gdańsk Tech: Maksym Domkowski, Julian Baron and Łukasz Gede-Niewiadomski.
URWIS is not intended to replace rescue personnel or carry out an entire rescue operation independently. Its role is to support emergency services during the initial stage of an intervention, when every minute matters. The vessel may also be used to monitor designated areas and assist in searches for missing persons, particularly in conditions of limited visibility.
Designed for operation on water
Work on the project covers both the construction of the vessel itself and the development of the systems required for its operation. The students have already conducted tests of the hull’s performance on the water and are currently focusing on the electronics, control systems and communication with the operator.
The vessel is expected to be equipped with systems enabling the transmission of data on its position and operating status. The team also plans to use thermal imaging technology, which could help locate people after dark or in adverse weather conditions.
One of the main challenges is developing a structure capable of withstanding exposure to water, moisture and wave action. The designers must not only protect the electronic components but also ensure the vessel’s stability and reliable communication with a shore-based operator. The students are supported by Cree Yacht, which has provided the hull as well as its expertise in the manufacture of composite marine structures. The project combines engineering, modern technologies and safety.
From remote control to autonomous operation
URWIS is currently being developed as an operator-controlled vessel. Subsequent stages of the project are expected to include the introduction of partially autonomous capabilities.
In the future, the device could independently navigate a designated area, identify potential hazards and perform pre-programmed tasks. Its developers envisage applications extending beyond the delivery of rescue equipment. Similar vessels could eventually support the monitoring of bodies of water, the protection of selected facilities and the inspection of infrastructure located on or near the water.
URWIS in the “Universities of the Future” project
URWIS is being developed as part of the “Universities of the Future” project, implemented by 12 partner universities, including Gdańsk University of Technology, with the National Centre for Research and Development acting as the coordinating institution. The initiative enables students to develop their own ideas with support from academic and business mentors.
Participants have access to funding for the implementation of their projects, as well as training sessions and workshops covering areas such as the implementation of innovations, project management and the commercialisation of the solutions developed.
The project is implemented under the European Funds for Social Development 2021–2027 programme (agreement no. FERS.05.01-IZ.00-0080/24).