From 8 am to 4 pm on May 1st, the fourth annual MATE (marine advanced technology education) Appalachian Highlands Underwater Robotics Competition will be happenibng at the Kingsport Aquatic Center.The winning teams will earn the opportunity to compete in MATE’s 21st annual World Championship ROV (remotely operated vehicle) competition, which will be held in late summer at East Tennessee State University.Because of COVID-19 protocols, spectator participation will be limited to the observation stands and to groups of 10 people or less.