Spare Parts

Set in 2004, the events unfold during a high-stakes underwater robotics contest sponsored by NASA and the U.S. Armed Forces. The era's technology relies on DIY engineering and PBASIC programming, with donations filling the gaps in funding. The narrative also foregrounds immigration status as the four students strive for recognition in a field dominated by well-funded teams.

The story follows students in Phoenix, Arizona, attending Carl Hayden High School, as they prepare to travel to Santa Barbara for the Marine Underwater Robotics Competition at UCSB. The competition is held on the University of California, Santa Barbara campus, a hub of high-tech research and marine robotics. The film contrasts a budget-constrained hometown with a prestigious coastal campus and the challenge of crossing state lines for opportunity.

🏁 Underdog Spirit

A scrappy, underfunded team challenges elite university squads and regulatory hurdles. The students improvise with scavenged parts, tight budgets, and equal parts nerve and ingenuity. Their perseverance culminates in a surprise recognition that underscores the power of grit over resources.

💡 Ingenuity

The team designs a remote-operated submarine from donated parts, repurposed materials, and clever hacks. They prototype, test, and iterate under pressure, using PBASIC for the robot's intelligence module. Innovations like the 'Stinky' waterproofing approach reflect their practical resourcefulness.

🤝 Mentorship

Two teachers step in to guide the students, bridging gaps in funding and experience. The mentors teach problem-solving, project management, and teamwork, helping students translate raw talent into a functioning robot. The relationship emphasizes trust, guidance, and belief in unlikely achievers.