Exploring Mars with Robotics

This course focuses on Mars exploration and colonization, where students will design, build, and program robots to tackle challenges inspired by real-world missions to the Red Planet. Participants will complete tasks such as collecting resources, assisting rovers, and navigating challenging terrain. The course emphasizes robotics, engineering, and problem-solving while fostering creativity and teamwork.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, students will:

1. Understand how robots play a critical role in space exploration, particularly for Mars missions.
2. Learn to program robots to complete specific tasks on a game field designed to simulate Mars exploration.
3. Develop skills in precision, strategic thinking, and teamwork while solving real-world-inspired challenges.
4. Apply robotics concepts to support scenarios involving transportation, resource collection, and environmental navigation.

Key Activities

Students will program their robots to complete the following missions on a simulated Mars-themed game field:

1. Collect the Drone
   • Retrieve a drone located on the game field and bring it to the starting area.
   • Learn about precision navigation and object handling.
2. Help the Stranded Rover
   • Unfold the solar panel of a stranded Mars rover while ensuring it remains in its designated area.
   • Practice robotic mechanisms and precise positioning.
3. Support Research on Mars
   • Collect research samples and transport them to their corresponding color-coded research labs.
   • Work on object recognition and placement accuracy.
4. Water Supply
   • Transport water tanks into a designated box to simulate water supply management on Mars.
   • Explore transportation and containment mechanisms.
5. Cross Rough Terrain
   • Navigate through challenging terrain and park the robot in a target area.
   • Master obstacle navigation and precision control.
6. Bonus for Rocks and Barriers
   • Avoid moving or damaging rocks and barriers on the field.
   • Reinforce attention to detail and obstacle avoidance techniques.

Scoring System

Students will evaluate their robot's performance based on specific scoring criteria:

• Drone Collection:
  • Completely in the start area: 10 points.
  • Partly in the start area: 5 points.
• Rover Assistance:
  • Solar panel unfolded, and rover still touching its area: 10 points.
• Research Samples:
  • Correct lab and completely inside: 15 points per sample (maximum of 60 points).
  • Touching any lab or wrong-colored lab: 10 points.
• Water Supply:
  • Each water tank in the box: 20 points (maximum of 40 points).
• Rough Terrain:
  • Robot completely in the target area: 12 points.
• Bonus for Rocks and Barriers:
  • Barriers intact and unmoved: 8 points each (maximum of 16 points).
  • Rocks intact and unmoved: 3 points each (maximum of 18 points).

The maximum achievable score is 166 points per round.

Special Event

Blue Ridge Boost will host a friendly competition at the beginning of June, where students will test their robots in a simulated Mars exploration environment. This event provides an opportunity to practice, collaborate, and gain valuable experience in a fun, supportive setting.

Course Features

• Flexible Mission Execution: Students can tackle missions in any order, encouraging creativity and strategy.
• Mars-Themed Challenges: Real-world-inspired tasks make the learning experience exciting and engaging.
• Beginner and Advanced-Friendly: The course accommodates students with varying robotics experience levels, offering both simple and complex challenges.
• Competitive and Collaborative Environment: Students will prepare for local, national, and potential international competitions.

Additional Notes

• The course aligns with the WRO RoboMission General Rules to ensure consistency with competition standards.
• A surprise mission will be introduced for the WRO International Final (released on October 8, 2025). This mission is not mandatory for class participation.

Who Should Enroll?

This course is ideal for students aged 11–15 who are interested in robotics, programming, and STEM challenges. No prior robotics experience is required, though basic programming skills are helpful.

What Students Will Gain

• A deeper understanding of robotics’ applications in space exploration and colonization.
• Hands-on experience with engineering design, programming, and problem-solving.
• Skills in teamwork, precision, and strategy.
• An opportunity to compete in WRO events, including local, national, and international stages.

This course is an exciting journey into the future of space exploration! Join us to develop your robotics skills, explore Mars, and prepare for friendly competitions like Blue Ridge Boost in June!