OKBEST 2007
2021 A Robot Odyssey

The Objective

The objective is to design and build a remotely-controlled device to unload supplies from an ASV and place them in a storage bin at the Martian base within a 3-minute time limit.

Story Line

After taking a year off to solve the laundry quandary, BEST Robotics, Inc. (BRI) returns to space! In 2007, the Mars Rovers – Opportunity and Spirit – began their fourth year of searching for signs of life on Mars. In 2021, a Martian base has been assembled using construction robots and is now receiving supplies before the arrival of astronauts.  Automated Supply Vehicles (ASVs) land at the Martian base and must be unloaded using robots. Because of the harsh environment on the Martian surface (temperatures can reach as low as -155° F), the robots have three minutes to perform the following

Tasks

• Exit the base and drive across the Martian surface

• Drive up onto the ASV and load supplies

• Drive off the ASV and store the supplies in a storage bin at the Martian base

• The exits on the Martian base dictate that robots must be within certain size and weight constraints.

• NASA issued a request for proposals for robots to unload the supply ships. BRI has submitted a proposal and won the contract to provide robots for unloading ASVs.