Project name (Short code for country?)

School: VSB - Technical University of Ostrava
Website: http://rover.vsb.cz/

We are a team of enthusiastic students from VŠB-TUO, which is developing its competition rover dubbed “K3P4”. Our team was founded in 2016 and today consists of eleven passionate, courageous, and promising young people. We have already participated in the European rover challenge, Anatolian rover challenge, and University rover challenge competitions with our best result in 2020 when we finished in 2nd place.

Rover challenges are about creating mobile robots to fulfil different tasks. These tasks simulate various missions which might be/have been conducted on the planet of Mars or The Moon. These missions consist of collecting and analysing soil samples, autonomous navigation, and manipulation with a control panel using the robotic arm.

Our team consists mostly of robotics students at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, which means we have deep knowledge of CAD design, machine components, simulation, and materials. Development on the rover gave us new skills such as making our own circuit boards, programming ROS nodes in C++ and Python, working in tools like GitHub and PLM Windchill, rapid prototyping with 3D printers, setting up reliable wireless communication, designing lightweight mechanisms, and more.

The students usually work on the project as part of their thesis, which is widely implemented afterwards, improving the rover features themselves.

Sustainable Development Goals:
Goal 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

Our project involves developing innovative technology and infrastructure in the form of the rover itself. This can lead to advancements in robotics and automation, contributing to the growth of sustainable industries and fostering innovation in the field.

Goal 4: Quality Education

Our project provides an excellent opportunity for students to gain hands-on experience and practical skills in engineering, programming, and robotics. By engaging in this project, students can acquire knowledge and competencies that align with Goal 4, promoting quality education and skill development. Students can also work on robot modules as their bachelor's and master's theses.

Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

Robot rovers can be utilized in urban environments for tasks like monitoring air quality, collecting environmental data, or even assisting with waste management. By developing a robot rover with applications in sustainable cities, our project can contribute to creating smarter and more efficient urban communities.

Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

During the development of the robot rover, our team prioritizes responsible consumption and production practices. This includes using sustainable materials, reducing waste, and ensuring the rover's life cycle is designed with environmental considerations.

Goal 13: Climate Action

Robot rovers can play a role in climate action by aiding in data collection and monitoring in challenging environments, such as polar regions or disaster-stricken areas. Our robot can help to fight desertification in affected areas. By contributing to the development of such technology, our project supports efforts to combat climate change.

Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals

As a student team working on this project, we have the opportunity to collaborate with various stakeholders, including academic institutions and industries. Such partnerships can enhance the project's impact and foster knowledge-sharing and mutual support to achieve the SDGs collectively.