Build Smarter. Dive Deeper.
NEPI × MATE ROV

Powering the Next Wave of Student Innovators

What is NEPI?

NEPI is a plug-and-play edge AI and automation platform designed for robotics teams.

It acts as the software layer between your ROV hardware, sensors, AI models, and control logic, bringing everything into a single, unified interface.

Instead of building and maintaining complex software infrastructure from scratch, teams use NEPI to focus on robot behavior, strategy, and performance.

NEPI is designed to grow with your team, whether you are starting with basic vision and control or adding AI-driven autonomy over time.

The pros use this tech in real subsea robotics. Now you can too!

With NEPI, MATE ROV teams can add edge AI, vision, and automation to their robot without having to design a complex software architecture from scratch.

Teams commonly use NEPI to:

  • Run AI vision models at the edge for object detection, tracking, and game-piece recognition

  • Bring up live camera feeds with visual overlays for alignment, targeting, and debugging

  • Create low-code automation scripts to trigger actions based on vision or sensor input

  • Run everything on a edge computer such as an NVIDIA Jetson

You don’t need to be an engineer to add AI automation to your system – NEPI makes it easy.

Can we run AI onboard our ROV, or is NEPI just for data collection?

NEPI is designed for onboard edge AI.
Teams can run AI models directly on the ROV during missions and use the results to support decision-making, automation, or data logging in real time.

Do we need to be software or AI experts to use NEPI?

No.
NEPI is built so teams can start without deep software or AI experience. Most of the difficult system setup is already handled, allowing teams to focus on learning, testing, and refining their approach.

Does NEPI replace our ROV controller or piloting system?

No.
NEPI does not replace thruster control, manual piloting, or your existing electronics. It runs alongside your current setup and acts as a smart layer for AI, automation, and data handling.

Is NEPI only useful for computer vision?

No.
While many teams use cameras, NEPI also supports sensor-based automation, mission data collection, and event-driven behaviors using non-vision sensors.

Can beginner teams start simple and add more later?

Yes.
Teams often start with live camera feeds and data logging, then add AI models or automation as they gain confidence. NEPI is designed to grow with your team over the season.

Are teams locked into using NEPI?

No.
NEPI is a tool to help teams experiment, learn, and compete. Teams can use as much or as little of it as they want, with no long-term lock-in.

What hardware does NEPI run on?

NEPI runs on common onboard compute platforms, including NVIDIA Jetson-based systems, and supports many standard cameras and sensors used in MATE ROV builds.

Where can we get help or learn more?

Teams can find documentation, examples, and tutorials at:
👉 https://nepi.com
Support and community resources are available throughout the season.

Get Started With NEPI

MATE ROV Team Setup Process

  1. 🚀 Visit the NEPI Container page and follow the step-by-step instructions to install and run the NEPI container.

  2. 📘 Create an account on the NEPI Community page to access documentation, ask questions, and share feedback with the NEPI team.

  3. 💬 Join the NEPI Discord channel for quick questions, and discussion with other MATE ROV teams during the competition season.

  4. 🤖 Use NEPI to connect your sensors, automation, and AI vision as you build and test your ROV mission workflows.

  5. 🎓 Complete the short feedback survey to receive a free educational license for continued use throughout the competition season.

                         *This program is available exclusively to registered 2026 MATE ROV Competition teams.*