Item Failure Failure Effects Risk Priority Recommended Improvement

Mode Mechanism Sev. Occ. Det. RPN

Motors Too Much Inadequate Destroy motor 5 4 1 20 Provide adequate resistance in
Current resistance in Motors stop working 4 6 1 24 the circuit. Check the current
circuit Burns user 7 3 1 21 throughout the circuit with an
Fire 9 2 1 18 ammeter.

Propellers Propeller(s) Propeller(s) Craft no longer 3 3 3 27 Enclose the propellers in a

break come into functions correctly casing to prevent contact with
contact with (loss of propulsion) objects.
rigid object

Software Program Glitch in Craft no longer 3 6 2 36 Rigorously test the program

stops program functions correctly beforehand.
working (coordination of all
correctly inputs and outputs is
flawed)
Light Stops Light sensor System no longer 3 2 2 12 Position the light sensor in a
sensor working gets wet functions correctly position to reduce the likelihood
(Program can no of contact with water.
longer use distance to Waterproof electrical
steer craft) connections.
Bump Bump Craft leaning Craft won’t reverse 2 5 1 10 Distribute weight effectively and
sensor sensor too far back when contact with correctly.
doesn’t Hit obstacles
Electrical Excess Short circuit Arduino fried ( craft 4 2 2 16 Use a fuse to prevent voltages
System Voltage no longer functions
correctly)
 Current Faulty Sparks (Fire) 9 2 2 36 Use high quality wiring. Test
flows to insulation Sparks (Burns) 7 2 2 28 circuitry before use. Thoroughly
ground via Shock 7 2 2 28 check the system for any faults
alternate System no longer 3 4 2 12 in insulation. Check the wiring
route. works correctly between deployments
(power to components
interrupted)

Water on Inadequate Sparks(Fire) 9 2 2 36 Use adequate waterproofing.

electrical waterproofing Sparks (Burns) 7 3 2 42 Check waterproofing for any
components Craft no longer 3 7 2 42 damage.
functions correctly
(power to components
interrupted)
Shock 3 7 2 42
Batteries Acid Overvoltage Chemical Burns 8 3 1 24 Use adequate resistance in the
Leakage Craft no longer 3 5 1 15 circuit.
functions correctly
(power to components
interrupted)
High Chemical Burns 8 2 2 32 Avoid excessive temperatures.
Temperatures Craft no longer 3 2 2 12
functions correctly
(power to components
interrupted)
Bad Battery Chemical Burns 8 2 2 32 Check battery beforehand. Use a
Craft no longer 3 3 2 18 reliable brand of battery.
functions
 correctly(power to
components
interrupted)
Collection Net gets Net too Propellers restricted 3 4 1 12 Test net effectively. Make net
System tangled in large/Not (craft stops moving + relatively skinny. Use adequate
propellers. buoyant strain put on motors) floatation (if not excess), to keep
enough. Net ripped (Balls no 2 5 1 10 the net well above the propellers.
longer contained) Alternatively, encase the
propellers in a guard to prevent
entanglement.

Hull Hull breaks Excessive Craft no longer 3 2 2 12 Fashion the hull out of reliable
collision functions correctly. materials. Use reliable
connection methods. Cover hull
Other components end 5 1 2 10 in cloth/duct tape to hold
up in water. components together incase
connection comes apart

]The biggest risks for this project are related to the electrical system of the craft. The failure mode with the greatest risk is contact
between the electrical components and water, due to inadequate waterproofing. This could result in sparks, causing either burns or
fire, shock, and of course, the craft no longer functioning correctly. To reduce the risk of these occurring, adequate waterproofing it
required. In particular, the arduino and batteries should be placed in a watertight container. The wiring from this container leading to
the sensors and motors should also be waterproofed, namely by running the wiring through waterproof tubing. It is also recommended
that this waterproofing be thoroughly checked and also tested before use, to further ensure that water is kept out. This waterproofing
should be regularly checked for any damage.
Automate Watercraft

Propulsion Navigation Hull Electrical

System

Motors Propellers Software Light Bump

Sensor Sensor