URC
University Rover Challenge
The world's premier robotics competition for college students, held at the Mars Desert Research Station in Utah, USA.
Know More
IRC
International Rover Challenge
A space robotics competition simulating the hostile terrain of Mars. Engineering rovers for extreme landscapes.
Know More
ARCH
Australian Rover Challenge
Challenging teams to design rovers capable of operating in simulated extraterrestrial environments.
Know More
ERC
European Rover Challenge
Europe's premier space & robotics event combining Mars rover competition with science exhibitions.
Know More
URC Mission Tasks
The University Rover Challenge tests rovers across four rigorous tasks in the Utah desert, simulating real Mars exploration scenarios.
- ✦ Science Mission: Collect soil samples and perform onboard biological/chemical analysis to detect signs of life
- ✦ Extreme Delivery: Navigate rugged terrain to deliver tools, supplies, and equipment to field astronauts
- ✦ Equipment Servicing: Use a robotic arm to operate switches, type on keyboards, and manipulate equipment panels
- ✦ Autonomous Navigation: Traverse between GPS waypoints and locate visual markers autonomously without operator input
IRC Mission Tasks
The International Rover Challenge pushes rovers to their limits across Mars-simulated terrain in India, testing engineering reliability and innovation.
- ✦ Autonomous Traversal (RADO): Navigate between GNSS waypoints and ArUco-marked gates without human intervention
- ✦ Instrument Deployment (IDMO): Perform dexterous manipulation — open panels, flip switches, turn valves using a robotic arm
- ✦ Astrobiological Exploration (AbEx): Collect soil samples using suction mechanisms and analyze for extremophile signatures
- ✦ Extreme Retrieval & Delivery: Pick up heavy payloads from rocky terrain and deliver them to designated locations
ARCH Mission Tasks
The Australian Rover Challenge evaluates rovers on their ability to perform science and exploration tasks in Australia's unique extraterrestrial-simulating landscapes.
- ✦ Sample Collection: Navigate to designated sites, collect geological samples and return them for analysis
- ✦ Terrain Traversal: Complete obstacle courses simulating rocky, sandy, and sloped Martian terrain
- ✦ Equipment Maintenance: Operate tools and equipment using a robotic manipulator arm
- ✦ Autonomous Operations: Perform waypoint navigation and object detection without operator control
ERC Mission Tasks
The European Rover Challenge combines a competitive Mars rover event with a prestigious science congress, held annually in Poland.
- ✦ Science Task: Perform on-site geological and biological analysis of terrain samples for habitability indicators
- ✦ Maintenance Task: Interact with an equipment panel — press buttons, plug connectors, measure readings
- ✦ Collection Task: Retrieve objects dispersed across the Mars Yard and transport them to base stations
- ✦ Probing & Navigation: Navigate autonomously while scanning terrain and avoiding hazards