ASSIGNMENT EF509

My Future Business Model

For my final year undergraduate project I am planning to develop an autonomous underwater
vehicle (AUV) along with two of my friends. If it is a success it will be the first of its kind in Sri
Lanka.There we hope to integrate many facilities such as a wide range of autonomy, ability to
operate in unknown waters, remote monitoring and control, and enhanced motion control. The
main disadvantage of present AUVs are they have to be tethered since wireless communication
under water is not possible with prevailing techniques due to high attenuation of signals. But
we hope to make use of visible light communication which gives us the luxury to remove the
tether between the robot and the user.
These types of robots can be engaged in undersea explorations for natural resources, ship
wrecks, sea bed examination and marine life. Since this is a highly engineering product it is not
aimed for public market. Companies involved in sea based businesses can demand customized
UAVs for their specific tasks. For example a ship repairing company would not want a full
autonomous robot. They might want a semi-autonomous robot that the user can control the
robot. Also for a company that investigate about marine life would want a more intelligent
system that would for example capture unusual behavioral patterns of a particular type of
species.

Areas for the Investment of Business

1. Materials for production
2. Factory equipment
3. Labor
4. Marketing and advertising
5. Repairs

Funds for Investments

For now the robot is under design. Its controls and machine learning algorithms has to be
improved and optimized. Lanka Transformer Limited (LTL) has offered to sponsor for the
expenses for the project. After the design is completed and the relevant tests are done it is
ready for mass production. LTL has agreed to fund in every investment when it comes to mass
production.

Skills to Manage Funds Effectively and Efficiently

1. Anticipation and Estimation
2. Time management
3. Resource management
4. Leadership Skills
5. Analytical and Evaluation skills