Design and Construction of a Mobile Robot for the URC and ERC Competitions

Abstract. This article presents the components of a mobile robot prepared for the international URC and ERC "Mars rovers" competitions. The URC and ERC competitions are the largest robotics and space events, targeting the worlds of science and business, the new technologies sector, and the general public. The European Rover Challenge, like the University Rover Challenge, is part of the Rover Challenge Series – a league of the most prestigious competitions for robotic mobile vehicles. The core of the competition is the international Mars robot competition, which attracts students, graduates, and academics from universities around the world. Teams of around a dozen people work for twelve months to develop a fully functional, next-generation Mars rover. Each team includes specialists in mechatronics, automation, robotics, autonomy, communications, and navigation.