A dual-platform validation strategy designed to refine software logic and control stability before physical implementation. The VRX environment in Gazebo is utilized to test high-level autonomous functions and detection processes, maximizing on-water efficiency. Concurrently, MATLAB simulations focus on control algorithms, validating the vessel's ability to maintain trajectory and compensate for external disturbances like wind and waves.

• VRX & Gazebo environment
• Control algorithm validation
• Disturbance compensation logic

Hardware validation performed in the workshop to ensure components are properly set up prior to water deployment. The process spans from individual checks of key sensors (LiDAR, Jetson) and mechanical systems (nozzle, ball shooter) to full system activation. This phase verifies signal transmission from radio to thrusters and dry-runs essential autonomous behaviors like object detection and waypoint navigation.

• Component & mechanism verification
• Signal transmission integrity
• Dry-run logic validation

Full-scale field testing conducted at local lakes (Bagry and Zakrzówek) to mirror actual competition conditions. Using custom-built infrastructure including: buoys, placards, and a styrofoam dock. The team validates performance across specific tasks like Docking and the Navigation Channel. This phase also facilitates the creation of comprehensive datasets to further train and optimize object detection models.

• Real-world scenario validation
• Task-specific infrastructure
• Dataset generation & model tuning