Hundreds of youthful engineers, pushing the boundaries of imagination and their limitations, entered the competition to participate in the finals of the 10th-anniversary edition of the European Rover Challenge (ERC) – the world’s most demanding space robotics competition. This year, 69 elite teams, ready to take on tasks that mimic NASA space missions, took on the challenge set by the Organizers. This is not only a showdown for a prestigious title but a unique opportunity to develop and test their skills for future engineers planning a career in the space and robotics industry. The event, a celebration of science and technology, will be held September 6-8, 2024, at the AGH University of Krakow.
An unearthly competition
Whether the robots move on wheels or caterpillars or use walking mechanisms, efficiency in performing tasks is key. Robots participating in the competition face several tasks designed to reflect the challenges of space exploration. Skills such as navigating autonomously in the environment, conducting drilling, analyzing the composition of geological samples, and operating a robotic arm are tested throughout. This unique event, which has been a focal point of innovation and inspiration in space robotics for the past decade, attracts students and representatives of science and business from around the world. Its essence is not only competition but also the integration of the space exploration community.
This year’s entrants include teams from renowned universities in Australia, Japan, Germany, Costa Rica, Canada, and France, among others. – says Konrad Lippert, team coordinator of the ERC international Mars rover competition. – Every year, more and more new teams learn about the opportunity and inquire about the details of participating in the ERC competition. We are particularly thrilled by the debut teams of students from Serbia, Romania, Kazakhstan, and Pakistan – this shows that we are reaching farther and farther and that the idea of the competition is equally attractive in Europe, Asia, Australia, and the Americas.” he adds.
A cosmic experience for everyone at ERC 2024!
The ERC 2024 will feature not only a robotics competition but also a business conference featuring leading space sector professionals, astronauts, and scientists. They will share their knowledge and experience in areas such as the future of human settlements on the Moon and Mars, the sustainability of the Earth, or the commercialization of space.
For those with a thirst for knowledge, the Inspiration Zone will await. Visitors will be able to learn more about space and astronomy, meet science popularizers, and see space technologies up close that usually are up high, in orbit. Whether you are a student, professional, or space enthusiast, you will find something inspiring in the Inspiration Zone.
The 10th-anniversary edition of the ERC – an outer space celebration at the AGH University of Krakow!
The 10th edition of the European Rover Challenge is not only the most remarkable event to date, but above all, it is an opportunity to celebrate a decade of innovation and passion together at the official Anniversary Ceremony. This year, to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the project, we have planned a special agenda with attendance by special guests from the International Astronautical Federation, the European Space Agency (ESA), and NASA. Since 2014, a group of nearly a hundred enthusiasts, experts, and scientists, supported by volunteers, have been running this unique project, which we proudly present to the world. In Krakow, the capital of Malopolska, which is part of the NEREUS space regions network1, participants and guests will have the opportunity to experience the exceptional atmosphere and our unwavering passion that makes the European Rover Challenge more than just an event. It’s the dream of reaching for the stars that becomes a reality. – concludes Łukasz Wilczyński, CEO of the European Space Foundation.
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The event’s main organizer is the European Space Foundation – an award-winning non-profit organization supporting initiatives that prioritize the future of the new generation based on STEAM sciences and space technologies. The event is co-organized and hosted by the AGH University of Krakow. The event is held under the honorary patronage of the Minister of Education in Poland, the European Space Agency (ESA), the International Astronautical Federation (IAF), the Deputy Marshal of the Małopolska Region, and the Polish Space Industry Association.
The event’s partners are the U.S. Consulate General in Krakow, Mars Society Polska, Polish Space Professionals Association, MathWorks, JoinThe.Space, Pokojowy Patrol, and the Business in Malopolska Center.
The project is financed with government budget funds granted by the Minister of Education and Science under the “Social Responsibility of Science II” Program (Poland). This project is supported with funding from the Malopolska Voivodeship.
1 The Association of Network of European Regions Using Space Technologies NEREUS has been active since 2007. It is the only thematic network in Europe that represents the interests of European regions using space technologies.