Ten engineering students from Queen’s University Belfast are traveling to Florida this month with a lab-built 52-kilogram aluminum rover to compete in the International Lunabotics Competition at the University of Central Florida.
Ten students from the Queen’s Propulsion Lab earned their place at the international event after securing a victory at the UK Lunabotics competition earlier this year. Their project applies NASA systems engineering principles to design, build, and operate a prototype lunar construction rover intended to assist with future moon missions. Some of the students heading to NASA include Jack Fitzpatrick, Sandro O’Hara, Eoin Conway, Jamie Smith and Alex Dunne.
Students Test 52-Kilogram Aluminum Rover for Lunar Mission
The team split its workload into three distinct technical groups focusing on software, electronics, and mechanical systems. Jamie Smith served as the software team lead, overseeing rover control and autonomous capabilities, while the group built rover simulations to test their code before physical hardware was assembled.
On the mechanical side, the students engineered a 52 kg aluminium frame robot rover. Before heading to the United States, they put the machine through its paces at a competition in Milton Keynes.
We got on very well. We ended up winning the competition and had great fun.
Jamie Smith, software team lead
Jack Fitzpatrick, a PhD student in mechanical engineering working on the rover’s physical structure, noted the rigorous testing phase required to ensure the machine could withstand harsh lunar conditions. We analyse that something is physically strong enough, it's well built enough to survive this environment, it's going to have the traction to drive in this environment,
Fitzpatrick explained.
Hundreds of hours have been dedicated to preparing the rover for the event. Eddie Friel, director of alumni engagement and philanthropy at Queen’s, expressed support for the delegation as they prepare for the competition.
We are delighted to be able to support the team as they fly the flag for Queen’s and wish them the best of luck in the competition.
Eddie Friel, director of alumni engagement and philanthropy
Students Compete in Autonomous Excavation Challenge in Florida
The competition requires the robot to operate entirely on its own within a simulated lunar environment.
- Start at a point, determine its location within the room, and travel to an excavation point.
- Collect sand acting as lunar-simulant.
- Transport and deposit the material at another location without manual intervention.
The goal behind these trials is to demonstrate how autonomous systems can build environments for humans to later habitat. The team will compete against university squads from the United States, Australia, and India. Representing the United Kingdom and serving as the sole European entry at the event carries pride for the university.
It’s just a great opportunity to represent Northern Ireland, the UK and really Europe abroad as we are the only European team that will be there.
Jack Fitzpatrick, PhD student in mechanical engineering
University Leaders Back Engineering Students on Global Stage
Dr. Charlie McCartan, academic lead at the School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, emphasized the value of the trip for participating students.
Caolán Boyle, head of robotics at QPL, noted that the team is proud and excited to have been selected by NASA and Caterpillar to compete in the very first International Lunabotics Competition. Whether the team brings home a win or builds a foundation for future years, Fitzpatrick emphasized that the invitation itself marks an opportunity.