Smarter LakeCleanup
Autonomous surface vessels that detect, clean, and manage pollution. No crews, no chemicals, no guesswork.
About Lacuum
Leading the future of autonomous environmental robotics through innovation, expertise, and real-world deployment.
Who We Are
Lacuum is a robotic R&D and consulting company founded by engineers and researchers with a passion for solving messy, real-world problems. From university labs to Honda Marine, our team brings decades of experience in autonomy and deployment.
What We Do
We build autonomous robots for aquatic and land environments and help others do the same. Our work spans system design, SLAM, perception, embedded development, and hands-on field testing.
Where We Work
Our home is in the water. We specialize in cleanup for lakes, rivers, and coastal zones, including the challenging areas where water and land meet. If there's a complex aquatic or shoreline environment that needs robotics, we want to be there.
Our Services
Comprehensive robotics solutions from concept to deployment
Autonomous Systems
Design and development of surface, aquatic, and ground-based robots for industrial and environmental tasks.
Consulting & Feasibility
We advise startups, municipalities, and research groups on robotics architecture, field deployment, and autonomy integration.
R&D Collaboration
Partner with us on federal grants, pilot deployments, or joint innovation projects. We offer technical leadership and applied research expertise.
Technical Expertise
Perception
3D object detection, segmentation, tracking, and multi-sensor fusion systems.
Mapping & Localization
SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping), semantic mapping, loop closure detection.
Path Planning
Multi-agent coordination, social-aware navigation, and mission planning in dynamic environments.
Controls
Model Predictive Control, low-level dynamics modeling, learning-based control strategies.
Simulation & Tooling
Development and integration using ROS, Gazebo, Python, C++, and MATLAB.
Autonomous Robotics
From hardware design to intelligent behavior — our team builds fully autonomous marine systems end-to-end.
Our Projects
Cutting-edge robotics solutions in action.
The Blue Boat Prototype
Our first-generation robotic catamaran — built to test aquatic navigation, algae removal, and AI-assisted perception.
Prototype Goals
- Validate hull performance and weight distribution.
- Test navigation with basic GPS and visual feedback.
- Collect visual data for perception training (segmentation, detection).
Quick Facts
- Catamaran frame for high stability
- Early algae collection mechanism installed
- Operated successfully in shallow water ponds
The Silver Boat Prototype
A lightweight, modular vessel used to test core electronics, navigation software, and rapid deployment tooling. Ideal for early-stage iteration and real-world feedback.
Prototype Goals
- Serve as a modular research vessel for rapid sensor and autonomy prototyping
- Enable in-situ perception development and field deployment of autonomy algorithms
- Bridge the gap between simulation and full-scale lake robotics
- Support data collection and testing for object detection, tracking, mapping, and SLAM
Quick Facts
- Dual contra-rotating Archimedes screw propulsion for shallow, debris-filled waters
- Lightweight, easily modifiable chassis for rapid prototyping
- Electronics deck with GPS, Jetson Xavier, IMU, and camera system on a swappable base
- Optimized for operation in ponds, test tanks, and shoreline zones
- Ideal for perception testing and algorithm development in real-world conditions
Meet the Team
Dr. Maani Ghaffari
CTO
Robotics professor at UMich. Expert in SLAM, autonomy, and system architecture.
Scott Craig
Advisor – Fundraising & Sales
Advises on investor strategy, partnerships, and go-to-market planning.
Ahmad El-Bkaily
Legal Advisor – IP & Patents
Provides guidance on intellectual property strategy, patent filings, and regulatory compliance for Lacuum's technology stack.
Tim Lazouski
Robotics Software
PhD in robotics & naval engineering. Works on autonomy and control systems.
Yu-I Chang
Controls Engineer
Works on embedded systems and motor control across robotic platforms.
Ziyu Xu
Calibration Engineer
Focuses on vision-based alignment and robotics calibration workflows.
Yinan Dong
Hardware Design
Mechanical design for vessels and payload integration. CAD + prototyping.
Amer Abughaida
Co-Founder
Led Honda Marine research. 17+ years in mobility and systems. MBA from Ross.
Claire Alverson
Web Development
Leads front-end and visual design for Lacuum's web presence.
Mohamad Hamade
Animation & Content
Creates CGI, gameplay, and pitch materials. Unreal Engine + content strategy.
Careers
We are building the future of robotics — and we are just getting started. If you are passionate about autonomous systems, applied research, or mission-driven engineering, Lacuum might be your next adventure.
🔧 Robotics Engineer
Work on autonomy, SLAM, and perception systems for land and aquatic robots. Experience with ROS or embedded systems preferred.
🌍 Field Deployment Intern
Help us test and deploy robotic vessels in real-world environments. Must love water, mud, and debugging in the wild.
📢 Partnerships & Outreach
Help us grow. Build relationships with municipalities, research orgs, and environmental groups. Background in science communication a plus.
Contact Us
Reach out for partnerships, consulting inquiries, or technical questions. We'll respond within 1–2 business days.