Team RUDRA - SRM Mars Rover

Rover Diaries: Building on a Dream Our blog series Rover Diaries: Building on a Dream will take you on the journey of how we build our Rover for the International Rover Challenge (IRC) hosted by the Space Robotics Society (SPROS), the challenges we face, the milestones we achieve along the way and guide you through the process of building one of your own. We're excited to share our story and inspire others who dare to dream big and hopefully help them begin their journey towards space robotics. Check out our first post highlighting the designing and planning process, on Medium, and join us as we explore the journey of innovation and teamwork that fuels our mission. 🚀✨ https://lnkd.in/givJmumu . . . #SpaceRoboticsSociety #SprosWeek #IRC2025 #SpaceRobotics #engineering #MarsRover #mars

🌌 Team RUDRA’s R25 Rover: Redefining Excellence for IRC 2025 🚀* With immense pride and excitement, we present the evolution of R25, our flagship rover, as we prepare to compete at the International Rover Challenge (IRC) 2025, hosted by the Space Robotics Society (SPROS). After standing 3rd globally at IRC 2024, we’ve been hard at work, pushing the limits of engineering and innovation to deliver a rover that’s more advanced, resilient, and ready for new challenges. What’s New with R25? Our rover is not just upgraded—it’s completely reimagined to tackle the rigorous demands of extraterrestrial exploration. Here’s a look at what makes this year’s R25 truly special: •⁠ ⁠🔄 From Pixhawk to Nucleo:   We’ve made a bold leap by replacing the Pixhawk with a Nucleo microcontroller, providing enhanced control, faster data processing, and better integration with our systems. This upgrade ensures smoother and more reliable operations in extreme conditions. •⁠ ⁠💪 Robotic Arm:   The R25 now features a redesigned robotic manipulator, built from scratch to offer greater dexterity and precision. With true 6 Degrees of Freedom (DoF), it’s designed for complex tasks like instrument maintenance, object manipulation, and astronaut assistance. •⁠ ⁠🔧 Pioneering Active Adaptive Suspension System:   As the only team in India using an active adaptive suspension system, we’ve set a new standard for terrain adaptability. This system ensures unparalleled stability and maneuverability, allowing R25 to navigate the harshest terrains with ease. •⁠ ⁠📡 Upgraded Communication Systems:   A newly designed antenna provides robust, real-time communication with the base station, enabling efficient data transfer, telemetry, and video feeds. •⁠ ⁠🧪 Science Payload:   The new Science Payload is equipped to conduct advanced soil analysis, supporting planetary research and offering critical insights for missions in extreme environments. Looking Ahead As we move forward, Team RUDRA is determined to set new benchmarks in robotics and space exploration technologies. With IRC 2025 on the horizon, we are excited to showcase the best of what Indian engineering and innovation can achieve on the global stage. We thank all our mentors, supporters, and well-wishers who have been an integral part of this journey. Your encouragement fuels our determination to reach for the stars—literally! We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to you, Dr. A. Rathinam Sir, for your unwavering support and invaluable guidance throughout our journey. Your encouragement and belief in us have been a constant source of motivation, helping us overcome challenges and achieve our goals. Stay tuned for updates as we continue this incredible adventure. Let’s make 2025 a year to remember!  . . . #SPROS #SpaceRoboticsSociety #SPROSWeek #TeamRUDRA #R25Rover #IRC2025 #Innovation #SpaceExploration #EngineeringExcellence #MadeInIndia

Our team has successfully submitted the SDDR (System Design and Development Review) package for the International Rover Challenge (IRC) 2025! This project has been a labour of love for our team. This significant accomplishment represents the culmination of tireless efforts and dedication from our team. We sincerely thank Dr. A. Rathinam, our faculty advisor, team members and alumni for their invaluable expertise and guidance, which have played a crucial role in helping us reach this stage. Let's celebrate this milestone and be part of our journey with Space Robotics Society (SPROS). . . . #RUDRAMarsRover #IRC25 #MarsMission #SpaceExploration #SpaceRoboticsSociety #SprosWeek #IRC2025

The Inter-domain Challenge kicked off on 16 Oct 2024 with the trainees being divided into 3 teams based on their skill and balance. Our goal was to have the trainees experience what it is like to work as a team with all the other domains along with giving them an experience of what to expect in competitions. Starting from a known point, Team A was tasked with finding a soil collection site in Black Canyon, Utah, collect a sample, and transporting it to a designated container. Team B had to set up a stationary lab for sample analysis in Black Canyon. They had to distribute the soil sample to testing equipment, conduct detailed analysis, and record the results for evaluation. Team C had the task of designing a surface water vehicle for collecting and analyzing water samples at Potheri Lake. Beginning at a set origin, they had to identify a sampling site, collect water, and perform preliminary on-site analysis. All the recruits gave their all during these 18 days which is evident in their work. They amazed us with innovative solutions to these unique problems. The inter-domain challenge was an experience that resulted in the recruits not only learning from us but also us learning from them. . . . #rover #iroc #irc #spacerobotics #recruitments #engineering #Mars #explorationtech #space #innovation

We recently wrapped up the R25 recruitment drive, pushing candidates through four rigorous stages that tested everything from technical expertise to teamwork and creativity. It was yet another iteration of our annual recruitment drive, where we assess candidates who wish to become part of the team. Test and Interviews: Tests were tailored for each of the 5 domains—Mechanical, Electronics, Developers, Life Sciences while Corporate was given take home tasks—to assess candidates' prior knowledge. Those who passed moved on to interviews, where we explored their teamwork experience and problem-solving approach. Training: All the interviewees who showed us promise were then recruited as trainees. During the 2 months of their training phase, our goal was to teach them the basics about how we build the rover and give them a hands on experience of working on the rover. Our trainees showed fantastic commitment to this practical learning. Throughout the process, candidates were given hands-on tasks and real-world problems to solve, allowing us to observe their problem-solving approaches and adaptability in action. Inter-Domain Challenge: After 2 months of intense training, it was time for the final round - the inter-domain challenge. Our goal with the inter-domain challenge was to have our trainees experience what it is actually like to work in a team along with the rest of the domains and also what they would experience during competitions. The trainees were divided into 3 different teams-each with a unique problem statement: Team A - Team A was tasked with building a vehicle to identify a suitable site for soil collection from Black Canyon,Utah. Team B - Team B was tasked with creating a stationary laboratory for the sample analysis mission in Black Canyon, Utah. Team C - Team C was tasked with creating a surface water vehicle for a sample analysis mission at Potheri Lake. Each team demonstrated remarkable commitment over these 18 days, working tirelessly to achieve their goals and bring these projects to life. Results: After the inter-domain challenge, selecting the final team members was incredibly difficult, as this batch of recruits displayed exceptional talent and dedication. Only those who demonstrated the highest level of skill made it through, but we are truly grateful to all the trainees for their time and effort. Each of them gained valuable experience and insights during their journey with us. . . . #irc #urc #spros #robotics #space #astrobio #rover #Mars #spacerobotis #recruitments #r25

🌟 Celebrating Over a Decade of Excellence in Space Robotics! 🌟 From our humble beginnings in 2013 to becoming a consistent global contender, Team RUDRA - SRM Mars Rover has built a legacy of innovation, teamwork, and excellence in space robotics. Over the past decade, we’ve represented SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST) on international stages like the University Rover Challenge (URC), the International Rover Design Challenge (IRDC), and more, securing top rankings and prestigious awards. Here are some of our proudest milestones: 🚀 World Rank 5, Asia Rank 1 – URC 2013 and 2014 🧪 Science Mission Rank 1 – URC 2019 🌍 Innovation Award: Best Drive System – IRDC 2021 🏆 3rd Place at IRC and ISDC – 2024 Every rover we’ve built reflects our passion for pushing boundaries and advancing technology. This timeline is a testament to the relentless efforts of our team members, both past and present, who continue to inspire and innovate. 💪 We’re excited for what the future holds and are committed to reaching greater heights! Stay tuned for updates on our journey to #IRC2025 and beyond. . . . #TeamRudra #SpaceRobotics #EngineeringExcellence #DecadeOfInnovation

Meet Team RUDRA - SRM Mars Rover: We’re proud to be the official Mars rover team of SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST). At RUDRA, our work goes beyond competitions, as we focus on pioneering technologies that makes Mars exploration a foreseen reality. As a team of 32 undergraduates each specializing in a special domain, we build our rover entirely from the ground up, showcasing our commitment to continuous innovation each year. We’re also the only rover team in India with an active adaptive suspension, allowing our rover to navigate challenging terrain with exceptional agility and stability. At the helm is Dr A Rathina, Director - Alumni Affairs at SRMIST, without whose constant support and guidance, none of this would be possible. Our rover is equipped with an advanced robotic manipulator, including a versatile gripper, a specialized bio arm for sample collection, and a science payload designed to safely analyze biological samples, advancing our ability to conduct scientific research in extreme environments. The rover can also operates autonomously, making real-time decisions to explore and interact with its environment independently. All this is just a glimpse of what our rover and the team can do. We are proud participants in competitions like the International Rover Challenge (IRC) hosted by Space Robotics Society (SPROS) and the University Rover Challenge (URC) hosted by The Mars Society, and have competed with top international teams. Here, we put our designs to the test against extreme challenges. These challenges drive us to continuously improve and push the limits of innovation. Join us as we work to inspire and empower the next generation of pioneers! . . . #irc #urc #spros #robotics #space #astrobio #rover #Mars #spacerobotics