Canadian MATE Free Thruster Program
Proudly Canadian. Supporting Canadian MATE Teams.
Blu-Sub Mechatronics is a Canadian-owned and operated subsea technology company based in Burlington, Ontario, and we are very proud to support the growing MATE ROV community here at home.
Already know what you want? There is a simple request form at the bottom of this page. Jump to the form ↓
One of the reasons Blu-Sub exists in the first place is that we recognized how difficult it could be to find a broad selection of dependable, reasonably priced subsea components here in Canada. After spending considerable time building out a broader, more accessible subsea product offering for the Canadian market, we launched Blu-Sub to help change that.
Since then, it has been incredibly rewarding to see the momentum behind MATE continue to grow across Canada. We love seeing Canadian schools, universities, mentors and students getting involved in underwater robotics, and it was especially exciting to see the 2026 World Championship hosted here in Canada, with Canadian teams representing the country on the world stage, including Eastern Edge Robotics taking first place in the EXPLORER Class.
We are also extremely grateful to every Canadian team that chooses to purchase from and work with Blu-Sub. Supporting a Canadian business genuinely makes a difference to us. It allows us to keep investing in new products, engineering and testing, while also putting more resources back into programs, sponsorships and initiatives that support the next generation of Canadian ocean-technology talent.
We also think the best way for teams to evaluate our hardware is to actually use it. This program gives Canadian MATE teams a chance to try a Blu-Thrust thruster firsthand, see how it performs in their own system, and decide for themselves whether Blu-Sub is a good fit for future builds.
One Complimentary Blu-Thrust Thruster Kit for Every Canadian MATE Team
One thruster kit per eligible Canadian MATE ROV team. No purchase required. No obligation. Shipping within Canada is on us.
Every thruster offered through this program is one of our Z60E or Z80E integrated-ESC models. The electronic speed controller is already built directly into the thruster, so you do not need to purchase a separate standalone ESC for the complimentary thruster.
That can also create meaningful cost savings when planning a complete ROV. On a vehicle using several thrusters, the cost of separate standalone ESCs can add up quickly, while also requiring additional wiring, mounting hardware and valuable space inside the main electronics enclosure.
We are proud of the Blu-Thrust platform and the design, testing and refinement behind it, but we don't expect teams to simply take our word for it.
We would rather put one in your hands and let you evaluate it yourselves.
Bench test it. Install it on your competition ROV. Use it on a profiling float, depth profiler, prototype or another underwater robotics project. Compare it with what you already use. If you never purchase another thruster from us, that's completely fine.
The complimentary thruster is yours to keep.
Choose the Thruster That Fits Your ROV
All three choices below use our integrated-ESC architecture, so there is no separate standalone ESC to purchase or install. The main decision is which propulsion platform and voltage optimization best matches your vehicle.
Blu-Thrust Z60E
Compact, lightweight platform optimized for 24 V, with included 12 V conversion
The Z60E is the smaller and lighter Blu-Thrust platform and is particularly well suited to compact ROVs where weight, enclosure space and overall system cost are important considerations.
In its standard configuration, the Z60E uses a 2-blade propeller and is optimized for 24 V operation.
For this program, we also include our dedicated 12 V 3-blade conversion set. Changing the propeller geometry optimizes the same Z60E motor platform for 12 V operation.
Blu-Thrust Z80E-170
Higher-thrust platform optimized for 24 V systems
The Z80E-170 is our original higher-voltage Z80 configuration, using an approximately 170 KV motor optimized around 24 V operation.
It provides greater thrust capability and mechanical robustness than the smaller Z60E and is a good choice for larger ROVs, heavier payloads or teams looking for increased propulsion capability.
The built-in ESC means no separate standalone ESC is required.
Blu-Thrust Z80E-290
Higher-thrust platform optimized for 12 V / 16 V systems
The Z80E-290 uses the same mechanical Z80 platform but incorporates a different, higher-speed approximately 290 KV motor developed specifically for lower-voltage vehicle architectures.
Rather than simply operating the standard 170 KV motor at a lower voltage, the Z80E-290 uses a dedicated motor configuration designed to provide much stronger performance for teams operating around 12 V and 16 V electrical systems.
The built-in ESC means no separate standalone ESC is required.
What Comes With Your Complimentary Thruster?
This is not a bare motor or a stripped-down demonstration unit. We are providing the full Blu-Thrust kit associated with the model you select.
Included With All Three Options
- Complete Blu-Thrust thruster
- Built-in electronic speed controller
- Pre-installed propeller in your selected rotation
- Spare propeller in the opposite rotation
- Front weed guard
- Rear weed guard
Z60E: 12 V Conversion Also Included
In addition to the standard 2-blade configuration optimized for 24 V operation, the complimentary Z60E package also includes our complete 12 V 3-Blade Propeller Conversion Set.
- 1 × clockwise 3-blade propeller
- 1 × counterclockwise 3-blade propeller
- Dedicated installation screws
Z80E-170 & Z80E-290
The Z80E kits also include the separate snap-on rear cap supplied with the Z80E platform.
Why Different Voltage-Optimized Configurations?
A thruster configuration that performs well at one operating voltage will not necessarily be optimized for another. For that reason, the Blu-Thrust range includes configurations designed around the electrical architectures teams are actually using.
This is accomplished differently on the Z80E and Z60E platforms.
On the Z80E, the motor itself changes. The Z80E-170 uses an approximately 170 KV motor optimized for 24 V systems, while the Z80E-290 uses an approximately 290 KV motor optimized specifically for lower-voltage 12 V / 16 V architectures.
On the Z60E, the same approximately 500 KV motor platform is retained. The standard Z60E uses a 2-blade propeller and is optimized for 24 V operation. For teams operating at 12 V, a dedicated 3-blade propeller geometry changes the hydrodynamic loading on the same motor to optimize its performance for the lower supply voltage.
Through this Canadian program, the complimentary Z60E package therefore includes both the standard 24 V 2-blade configuration and the complete 12 V 3-blade conversion set, giving teams the flexibility to evaluate either setup.
The result is a choice of propulsion configurations designed around the voltage architecture of your ROV rather than simply running the same motor and propeller combination at a different voltage.
Why Put the ESC Inside the Thruster?
All three complimentary configurations in this program use our Z60E or Z80E integrated-ESC architecture.
Instead of mounting a separate electronic speed controller for every thruster inside your main electronics enclosure, the ESC is integrated directly into the submerged thruster assembly.
This means you do not need to purchase a separate standalone ESC for each Z60E or Z80E thruster. Beyond simplifying the vehicle, this can contribute to significant system-level cost savings, particularly on an ROV using six, eight or more thrusters where the cost of separate ESC hardware can quickly accumulate.
Simpler Wiring
Each thruster already contains its drive electronics, significantly reducing separate ESC hardware and motor-phase wiring inside the main enclosure. That makes the electrical system cleaner and easier to organize and troubleshoot.
No Separate ESC to Buy
The ESC is already part of the Z60E/Z80E thruster. Eliminating the need to purchase a standalone ESC for each motor can reduce total propulsion-system cost, with the savings becoming increasingly meaningful as thruster count increases.
More Enclosure Space
Removing multiple ESCs from the electronics enclosure frees valuable internal volume for your computer, power distribution, sensors and other mission hardware.
Potential Weight Savings
The pressure enclosure is often one of the heavier assemblies on an ROV. Reducing the electronics footprint can allow teams to consider a smaller enclosure, creating weight savings beyond simply removing separate ESC hardware.
Better Heat Rejection
Instead of adding ESC heat to a sealed pressure enclosure, the drive electronics are located with the submerged thruster where the surrounding water can assist with heat rejection.
Programmable Integrated Control
The built-in ESC provides direct power and control-signal integration and can be configured for the intended vehicle control setup without requiring a separate ESC installation for each motor.
Competition-Friendly Finger Protection Included
Each complimentary thruster kit includes our lightweight front and rear weed guards. The front guard meets the IP2X finger-protection standard and is designed for simple installation and removal.
That gives teams an engineered protective solution directly with the thruster rather than requiring a bulky custom finger shroud simply to protect the propeller opening.
Don't Take Our Word for It
This is really the idea behind the program.
Changing propulsion systems can be a significant design decision for a competition team. We understand why teams tend to stick with hardware they already know, even when another option may offer advantages.
So rather than asking you to make that decision based on a webpage, specifications or what we tell you, we want you to have a Blu-Thrust thruster in your own workshop and evaluate it yourselves.
Put it on the bench. Measure it. Test the controls. Look at the wiring. Take it apart where appropriate. Run it in the water. Compare it to your current hardware and decide for yourselves whether it belongs on your next ROV.
Your Existing MATE Discounts Still Apply Too
This Canadian complimentary-thruster initiative is in addition to our existing Blu-Sub x MATE ROV Discount Program.
Eligible MATE teams can purchase directly through the Blu-Sub website and receive special participant pricing across a wide range of subsea hardware. The current MATE program document, eligibility information and discount instructions are available here:
View the Blu-Sub x MATE ROV Discount Program →
Ordering is simple. Add the products you need directly through our website, use the MATE discount codes provided in the program document, and include your team information as instructed. Our online checkout supports common payment methods including major credit cards and PayPal.
Buying Blu-Sub in Canada
For Canadian teams, buying from Blu-Sub also keeps the purchasing process straightforward.
Blu-Sub is based in Burlington, Ontario, and Canadian orders are handled domestically with economical Canadian shipping options.
There are no import duties, border tariffs or customs-clearance charges for domestic Canadian purchases from Blu-Sub. Normal Canadian sales taxes such as GST, HST or applicable provincial taxes still apply.
And, of course, every purchase made through Blu-Sub helps support a Canadian-owned business and our continued investment in the Canadian subsea and underwater-robotics community. We sincerely appreciate it.
Building More Than a Thruster System?
Thrusters are only one part of the Blu-Sub product family. Our Blu-Bits range includes many of the building blocks used throughout an ROV, profiling float and other underwater robotics systems, including pressure enclosures, cameras, subsea switches, sensors, displays, underwater cables, penetrators, connectors, mounting hardware, tools and other integration components.
Explore the complete Blu-Bits collection →
Our subsea sensor range includes both depth and water-temperature sensing options that can be incorporated directly into student ROV and mission systems.
Our dry-mate detachable cable connectors and bulkheads are also popular for modular ROV systems. Compared with traditional gland-style and potted penetrators, they make it much easier to disconnect and remove components without opening the enclosure, disconnecting internal wiring, removing backing nuts or disturbing the penetrator installation. Because the sealing assembly can remain undisturbed during routine removal and reinstallation, they can also help reduce the risk of introducing leaks during maintenance or system changes. This can make maintenance, transport, troubleshooting and reconfiguration considerably easier.
View subsea cable connectors & bulkheads →
Please Keep This Offer Within the MATE Community
This Canadian complimentary-thruster program is being distributed directly to MATE participants and is not a public retail promotion.
Please feel free to share this page with other Canadian MATE ROV teams, but we ask that the page link not be published publicly or distributed outside the MATE community.
Claim Your Complimentary Thruster
Complete the simple form below with your team information, Canadian shipping address and preferred thruster configuration.
The program is limited to one complimentary thruster kit per eligible Canadian MATE team, and Blu-Sub will cover the shipping cost to your Canadian address.
Submitting the form will also register your team for the Blu-Sub x MATE program mailing list so we can keep you updated on participant discounts, new products, program changes and other MATE-related information.
