McGill Robotics Mars Rover Project

Our team of dedicated and talented students, hailing from diverse backgrounds, is committed to advancing robotics through innovative projects such as Mars Rovers, Autonomous Underwater Vehicles, and Drones. We regularly compete against universities across North America, achieving impressive results like 2nd place in the traversal task at CIRC 2023, 3rd place at ERC 2015, and reaching the semi-finals at RoboSub 2023. We also host Robohacks annually, a 2-day hackathon aimed at inspiring CEGEP and high school students with our passion for robotics.

The Mars Rover Project is comprised of six advanced systems:

- ARM: A sophisticated 5-degrees-of-freedom (DOF) robotic arm designed to handle a variety of tasks. It can carry up to 5 kg of equipment while maintaining a lightweight profile of under 12 kg, allowing for precise and versatile manipulation.

- DRIVE: Features a robust double wishbone suspension mechanism coupled with custom 3D-printed wheels. This system ensures superior traction and stability, enabling the rover to navigate and traverse challenging and uneven terrain efficiently.

- SCIENCE: Equipped with cutting-edge tools and instruments for conducting onboard soil analysis. This system is designed to analyze soil samples for potential signs of life, providing crucial data for scientific research.

- POWER: The energy backbone of the rover, this system provides reliable and consistent power to all the rover’s components. It includes high-capacity batteries and power management systems to ensure uninterrupted operation.

- COMMUNICATION: Utilizes advanced Wi-Fi technology to establish a seamless link between the rover and its operators. This system ensures real-time control and data transmission, facilitating efficient command and monitoring.

- AUTONOMY: An advanced navigation system that allows the rover to perform tasks and make decisions independently. It includes sensors and algorithms for obstacle detection, path planning, and autonomous operation, reducing the need for manual intervention.