Planetary exploration is a fascinating sector that ESA is investing heavily in, with projects including the pioneering Rosetta mission to a comet, the ambitious Artemis mission to the Moon (constructing the European Service Module), and the cutting-edge Rosalind Franklin rover destined for Mars.
The present and future missions of Mars exploration are the inspiration behind the Robotics Workshop. Over four days, participating students will delve into the design and operation of a 3D printed robot based on the European rover that will be sent to investigate the surface of the red planet.
Particular attention will be given to software including the ROS2 (Robot Operating System) framework. Students will study the locomotion system, developing algorithms that will allow the robot to move. Finally, Machine Learning will be applied to grant the capability of recognising specific objects on the surface of Mars.
Upon completion of the Workshop, students will be evaluated via a group project, and will receive a certificate of participation and course transcript, allowing them to request ECTS credit(s) from their respective universities.
Preliminary schedule
Day 1 Introduction
ESA Planetary Exploration
Coding Tools Familiarisation
Rover Basic Set-Up
Day 2 Robotic Mission for Mars
Robot Operating System (ROS)
Simulation
Rover Locomotion System
Day 3 AI and Object Detection
AI for Robotic Applications
Day 4 Mars Mission Operation
Final Project
