The Bengawan Unmanned Vehicle (UV) Team from Sebelas Maret University (UNS) in Surakarta has launched a prototype ship named 'Mandakini Catra' at the Center for Javanology Excellence (PUI) at UNS. This ship will be used in the International Roboboat Competition 2023 in Florida, USA, taking place from March 22 to March 28, 2023.

The launch event was attended by UNS Vice Rector for Research and Innovation, Prof. Kuncoro Diharjo; Dean of the Faculty of Engineering (FT UNS), Dr.techn. Ir. Sholihin As'ad, M.T.; Head of the Mechanical Engineering Program at UNS, Prof. Eko Surojo; and the mentor of the Bengawan UV team, Dr. Nurul Muhayat.

In his address, Dr. Nurul Muhayat mentioned that since the establishment of Bengawan UV in 2017, they have received 47 awards, both nationally and internationally. "This year, with extraordinary effort, we have dared to participate directly in the competition in Florida. I hope our team can perform at their best and achieve excellent results. We ask for the support and prayers of the entire academic community at UNS so that Bengawan UV can succeed and bring honor," he said.

Dean of FT UNS, Dr.techn. Ir. Sholihin As'ad, M.T., also advised the students to take lessons from this competition process. "There is an engineering process they go through, from designing and more. In addition, the students not only learn how to design and create prototypes but also how to seek funding and more. This can serve as valuable experience for their future," he added.