University Rover Challenge

Challenge Description

The University Rover Challenge (URC) challenges university teams to design and build next-generation Mars rovers capable of assisting astronauts working on the surface of Mars.

Competition Missions

Equipment Servicing

Perform dexterous operations on a mock lander using a precision robotic arm.

Delivery Mission

Deliver tools and equipment to astronauts across rugged terrain while navigating obstacles.

Autonomous Navigation

Autonomously navigate to designated waypoints and identify objects. An aerial drone may assist but is not required.

Science Mission

Analyze soil samples and investigate a site for potential signs of life.

URC Team Modules

Our URC team is organized into specialized modules that focus on different aspects of rover design and development.

Arm Module

Designs and builds the robotic arm for precision tasks. Focuses on kinematics, control algorithms, and end-effector design.

Rover Module

Responsible for the overall rover design, including chassis, suspension, and mobility systems. Ensures the rover can traverse the challenging terrain of the competition site.

Autonomy Module

Develops the software for autonomous navigation and mission execution. Implements algorithms for path planning, obstacle avoidance, and computer vision to enable the rover to operate independently.

Science Module

Designs and implements scientific instruments for soil analysis and life detection. Develops experiments to be conducted on the Martian surface and analyzes data collected during the competition.

Skills Used & Developed

URC challenges students to apply real-world engineering skills across multiple disciplines.

Mechanical Engineering

  • CAD Design (SolidWorks / Fusion / Onshape)
  • Structural Analysis
  • Manufacturing & Prototyping

Electrical Engineering

  • PCB Design
  • Power Distribution Systems
  • Embedded Systems
  • Sensor Integration

Software Engineering

  • ROS Development
  • Autonomous Navigation
  • Computer Vision
  • Control Systems

Biomedical Engineering

  • Soil & Sample Analysis
  • Life Detection Methods
  • Lab Instrumentation
  • Data Interpretation

Professional Development

  • Systems Engineering
  • Technical Documentation
  • Team Collaboration
  • Project Management

Meet the Leads

The student leaders driving our University Rover Challenge program.

Arm Lead

David Thuc

Arm Module Lead

Leads the design and development of the robotic arm, including kinematics, control algorithms, and end-effector design.

Rover Lead

Matthew

Rover Module Lead

Leads the overall rover design, including chassis, suspension, and mobility systems to ensure the rover can traverse the competition terrain.

Autonomy Lead

Primitivo Rodriguez III

Autonomy Module Lead

Leads the development of autonomous navigation systems, including path planning, obstacle avoidance, and computer vision algorithms.

Science Lead

Alec Graves

Science Module Lead

Leads the design and implementation of scientific instruments and experiments for soil analysis and life detection on Mars.

Mars Desert Research Station

Where Does the Competition Take Place?

The University Rover Challenge is held at the Mars Desert Research Station (MDRS) in Utah, USA.

MDRS is a simulated Martian environment featuring rugged desert terrain, rocky outcrops, and geological formations that closely resemble Mars.

Teams must navigate this extreme landscape while completing complex mission tasks under real-world constraints.