Three Arlington students who began experimenting with underwater robotics as sixth graders are now using those experiences to help other young people discover engineering opportunities. Project Nebula founders Nicholas Cheng, Mitchell Hulme and Liam Bray got their start building an underwater robot in a garage. With no previous experience, they learned through failed electronics, flooding, programming problems, and plenty of trial and error. Their persistence eventually took them to the MATE ROV World competition.
The trio later challenged themselves to build an autonomous submarine capable of navigating without direct control. At RoboSub 2026, their approximately $650 submarine competed against 58 university teams from around the world. Project Nebula was the only independent team in the competition and earned both the Spirit of RoboSub and Blue Robotics awards.
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“Project Nebula is, simply stated, INCREDIBLE!!!!” competition judges wrote.
Their work has since expanded far beyond their own robots. Since becoming a nonprofit in October 2024, Project Nebula has raised more than $22,000, supported more than 10 teams across five states, and reached more than 1,150 students.
The organization supports projects involving FIRST robotics, rocketry, drones, and submarines. Its founders have also introduced more than 100 students at Title I schools to engineering through hands-on workshops. Student mentors provide individual guidance, while teams across the network exchange feedback on coding and CAD designs.
“The most rewarding part is passing along the help and experience we’ve received,” the founders said.
Their next goal is expanding that network so students with an idea but little experience know where to begin. Arlington students do not need a robotics background to participate. Students, teachers, and school sponsors can connect with Project Nebula to join or establish a chapter, while professionals and businesses can contribute through mentorship or sponsorship throughout the community.
by Elijah Quintanilla
