A team from Queen's University Belfast is travelling to Florida to take part in a Nasa 'lunabotics' competition. Lunabotics constitutes a university-level contest where teams apply the Nasa systems engineering process to build and operate a lunar robot.
The robot's expected functions include excavating lunar material, traversing obstacles, and using that material to construct a wall. Jack Fitzpatrick stated that receiving an invitation to participate is 'a great feeling'.
The ten-member team of QUB students will compete at the University of Central Florida against university groups from Australia, India, and the US. The team previously secured a victory in a competition earlier this year.
The group designed a rover featuring a 52 kg aluminium frame. The team previously won the competition held in Milton Keynes.
Jack stated that representing Northern Ireland, the UK, and Europe abroad presents a 'great opportunity'. The primary goal for the rover involves navigating autonomously within a room simulating lunar conditions.
Furthermore, the rover must autonomously collect sand, which mimics lunar material, and deposit it at a separate spot. Jack explained that the task simulates how actual rovers operate on the moon to build environments for human habitats.
Jack confirmed that the team represents the United Kingdom and Europe, having won the United Kingdom competition. Caolán Boyle, Head of Robotics at QPL, stated the team is 'exceptionally proud and excited'.
Hundreds of hours were dedicated to preparing the rover for the event.
