Module Lead

Franziska Conrad

Teaching Team

Dr Peter Glynne-Jones
Dr Joseph Lifton
Lucy Brown
Andrew Lockett
Callum Boland

The Interplanetary Robot Project showcases students’ innovative skills as they design, build, and test an autonomous robotic system capable of performing exploration tasks in a simulated extraterrestrial environment. Working in teams, students create unique interplanetary robots using provided materials and components, applying their knowledge of mechanical systems, electronics, sensors, embedded programming, and control systems.

The robots are designed to navigate unfamiliar terrain, respond to environmental conditions, and complete mission objectives autonomously.

Their capabilities are tested through tasks such as navigating from a random starting position to a designated target zone, simulating recovery after losing orientation during a planetary storm, and collecting rock samples to transport to a research station for analysis.

Students explore concepts focused on mobility, sensing, behavioural interaction, and mechanical integration while refining their designs through testing and iteration. Assessment focuses on functionality, responsiveness, navigation accuracy, durability, and successful integration of mechanical and control systems, encouraging teams to optimise their robots for reliable planetary exploration.