Polish university rescue drone URWIS completes first open‑water test

Students from the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture at Gdańsk University of Technology carried out the first open‑water trial of their rescue drone URWIS on 17 July at Lake Kałębie in Osiek, Poland. The test evaluated hull tightness, propulsion, manoeuvrability and the GSM‑based remote‑control system. The drone responded correctly to commands, performed planned maneuvers and navigated the lake without issues.

Project lead Maksym Domkowski said, "First tests can be considered a success. The unit swims and turns, and after the tests we have many insights for further changes." The team plans to install a more powerful engine, add a camera for better operator view, and ultimately achieve full autonomy, including the ability to tow a rescue raft and operate with thermal sensors for night or rough‑sea missions. The initiative is part of the “Universities of the Future” program funded by Poland’s National Centre for Research and Development, with potential future commercialisation as a startup.

The successful trial marks a key milestone for the URWIS project, demonstrating its feasibility beyond laboratory conditions and paving the way for further development of autonomous water‑borne rescue technology.