Rhino is at the heart of NODE’s latest student-led project: ASKET, an autonomous surface vessel (ASV) developed for the Njord 2025 Physical Autonomous Challenge in Norway. NODE is a multidisciplinary student team from the Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia (IAAC) blending architecture, marine robotics, and digital fabrication to create an open-source, sensor-rich vessel capable of fully autonomous navigation.
Rhino’s precision modeling and flexible workflows enabled the team to design ASKET’s custom 3D-printed trimaran hull, integrating complex hydrodynamic shapes, modular electronics compartments, and structural performance features into a single digital model. This made it possible to rapidly prototype, test, and iterate on full-scale components using large-format robotic pellet extrusion, bridging digital design with real-world fabrication.
ASKET is more than a vessel — it’s an educational platform demonstrating how Rhino empowers students to translate digital design into functional, resilient systems that tackle real-world challenges. The project highlights how Rhino’s role goes far beyond architecture, supporting open-source marine research, sustainable design, and accessible advanced manufacturing.
As a fully student-driven initiative, NODE is now actively seeking additional sponsors to help cover the costs of travel, accommodation, and transporting the vessel to Norway for the competition. Supporting ASKET means backing the next generation of designers and engineers as they expand what’s possible with Rhino, robotics, and collaborative, hands-on learning.
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