Robots on Ice Engineering Challenge
Putting Icefin to the test.Copyright 2015 Jacob Buffo, Georgia Tech Research Institute http://www.news.gatech.edu/2015/04/02/new-robotic-vehicle-provides-never-seen-look-under-antarctica
In a simulation of potential future space missions to Europa, one of Jupiter’s moons, student teams are challenged to direct a robot placed in an enclosed maze to search for and find the most “alien life.” The robot is equipped with a camera to send a live feed of its surroundings in the maze. Students control the robot from outside the maze by looking at the live feed on a smartphone and using the robot’s remote control, making a map as they go. The student teams compete as if they are space agencies creating their own exploratory systems to meet the challenge’s criteria and constraints and prove “in the field” that they have the best plan to win the mission contract and get the job. This activity simulates the real-world research of scientists and engineers developing a robot with the capabilities to explore under the ice-covered surface of Europa.
Teams of engineers are critically involved in the development of robots for space missions. While some missions may be decades away from launching, the research and development has to start somewhere! In 2013, researchers engineered a robot called Icefin that serves as a proof of concept for a future mission to Europa. In this activity, students experience many of the same issues facing the scientists and engineers working to send a robot to Europa, such as navigation of and communication with the robot. Just like real world engineers, students also must work within design constraints to meet the challenge requirements.
After this activity, students should be able to:
- Demonstrate how to operate a robot and conduct a live stream video feed.
- Explain the challenges of communicating with robots in outer space.