Folks from all over the world have come to the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary, which is hosting this year’s event.
MATE is the shortened name of the Marine Advanced Technology Education Center, in California. This is the first time Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary has hosted the world championship in about a decade.
"It's absolutely incredible," said Jeff Gray, superintendent of the marine sanctuary.
There are nearly 80 teams representing 23 U.S. states and 18 countries including Egypt, Mexico, Germany, the United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia, China and more. Among those are two local teams: Raft Robotics from Alcona High School and Underwater Research Robotics, or "UR2" from Alpena High School.
"It's as competitive as any sport," Gray said. "It's amazing technology and some really, really incredible kids."
Gray is an underwater archeologist by training and has been at the sanctuary for more than 20 years.
"We know so little about the Great Lakes and the ocean," he said. "This technology is really key to better understanding these critical natural resources. Watching these students, what they're doing — the innovation in them really gives you hope. They're going to help us figure out how to protect these really special places."
Events are open to the public.
