Join our team!
Why you should join us
The WARR Space Robotics student team shares a common interest in robots for space applications. We strive to participate in student engineering competitions in the field of space and robotics, such as the European Rover Challenge and various space elevator competitions, and to achieve the best possible results.
We also provide you with a lot of benefits:
- Certificate confirming and acknowledging your contribution
- Network of contacts in the German and European space industry, e.g., DLR Institute of Robotics and Mechatronics in Oberpfaffenhofen
- Office space in the Mechanical Engineering building of the Technical University of Munich
- Access to events and conferences related to space research, e.g., Space Tech Expo
- Dedicated workshop for research and development and access to the MakerSpace
- Opportunities to present and test our prototypes at events such as the European Rover Challenge
- Involvement in public relations and educational events to inspire future space researchers, e.g., TUM Student Club Fair
Positions & Their Tasks
Overview
Teams: CRATER
The Robot Operating System (ROS2) only runs on specific operating systems such as Ubuntu and Fedora Linux and requires versions of packages that can lead to conflicts on the developers’ own host systems. To ensure that all our software developers can program in the same reference environment, we need a working Docker image.
Tasks
- Management, maintenance, updating and, if necessary, continuous improvement of the Docker image used (Ubuntu/Fedora Linux)
- If possible, implementation and management of CI/CD pipelines (Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment)
Overview
Teams: All
Our website should be updated every couple of months. In addition, Team CRATER would like to have a web-based user interface for remotely controlling the rover.
Tasks
- Implementing changes to the website as soon as changes become necessary
- Implementation of a web UI for the rover of Team CRATER
Overview
Teams: CRATER
The rover does not use artificial intelligence. It uses classic algorithms. There’s no sugarcoating it. The software is complicated. The Robot Operating System is difficult to configure. We need people who like to grind—people who get up, come to the office, fire up their laptops, and just hardcore grind.
Tasks
- Development of the software for the rover using the Robot Operating System framework
- Close collaboration with the electronics team on the control software that drives the microcontrollers and enables the rover to perform its tasks
- Implementation and continuous improvement of the localization algorithm so that the rover always knows exactly where it is
- Implementation and continuous improvement of the navigation algorithm so that the rover performs autonomous navigation as flawlessly as possible during the European Rover Challenge
- Implementation and continuous improvement of the software component that controls the robotic arm
- Implementation and continuous improvement of the simulation we use to test the software before deploying it to the rover
Overview
Teams: CRATER/GRAKSLER
The robots’ software use data from various sensors such as cameras, LiDAR (Light Detection And Ranging), and IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit). The wheels of the rover or elevator can also provide data about its movement. However, this data contains noise and precision errors, which is why robots typically consider multiple sensor data sources and combine them to obtain the best possible estimate of the robot’s position and movement.
Tasks
- Learn what an Extended Kalman Filter is and how it works
- CRATER: Setting up and properly configuring the Robot Localization Package, which uses an Extended Kalman Filter to fuse sensor data
- GRAKSLER: Custom implementation of an Extended Kalman Filter
Overview
Teams: CRATER
We need to send command signals remotely to the rover so it can begin its exploration. It also needs to transmit information back to us about the current situation so we know what commands to send it. We need people who can establish and maintain the communication link between our rover and the ground control station.
Tasks
- Development of communication systems to ensure reliable real-time signal transmission between the ground station and the rover
- Monitoring and troubleshooting communication channels to ensure high availability and low latency
Overview
Teams: CRATER
Contribute to the development, manufacturing, and testing of printed circuit boards for robotics applications. Develop modular solutions for power management, data management, and data distribution for our rover.
Tasks
- Designing a Printed Circuit Board with KiCAD
- Prototyping of electronic components
- Functional testing of printed circuit boards
Overview
Teams: CRATER
The microcontrollers need to be configured and programmed. If this is not done, the rover will not drive.
Tasks
- Development of software for a modular energy management module
- Performing tests on the electronics board for energy management
- Close collaboration with the software team on the control software that drives the microcontrollers and enables the rover to perform its tasks
Overview
Teams: CRATER/GRAKSLER
The rover and space elevator must exist not only in simulation but also in the real world. We need to design, build, and assemble the mechanical components as precisely as possible so that the robots can function flawlessly and don’t fall apart. Some components will be purchased off-the-shelf, while others will be designed and 3D printed. The preferred software for this is SolidWorks and 3DExperience.
Tasks
- Working with CAD software SolidWorks and 3DExperience
- Design and construction of the rover’s chassis
- Design and construction of the rover arm for the sampling task
- Design and construction of the drill for the deep-sampling task
- Design and construction of the space elevator
Overview
Teams: CRATER
The European Rover Challenge includes additional scientific tasks that are only implicitly related to the rover’s mechanics, electronics, and software. One of these tasks requires scientists with an interest in geological concepts. The goal of this scientific task is to demonstrate an understanding of conducting scientific explorations under the conditions of planetary geology.
Tasks
- Analysis of previous relevant work on the Martian region to be explored
- Careful analysis of the data provided on the Mars test site
- Development of a scientific research plan that takes into account the data acquisition requirements
- Execution of the scientific exploration plan at the Mars test site during the ERC
Overview
Teams: CRATER
The European Rover Challenge includes additional scientific tasks that are only implicitly related to the rover’s mechanics, electronics, and software. One of these tasks requires scientists with an interest in concepts from chemistry. The goal of this task is to demonstrate an understanding of conducting scientific explorations under planetary astrobiological conditions.
Tasks
- Planning the mission based on the provided basic information about the Mars test site regarding the task
- Decision on the destination—the decision must be made based on the available data regarding the conditions and geophysical characteristics that offer the greatest chance of finding life.
- Identification of the sample source via the QR code located within the designated area
- Performing pH measurements of water taken from plastic containers that are half-buried in the designated area
- Analysis of the astrobiological data
Overview
Teams: All
We need to bring our brand and mission to life through digital media, developing compelling stories and visuals that resonate with our audience and strengthen our brand. The tasks range from newsletters and business cards to social media graphics – all designed to engage our community, sponsors, and partners. We also need to leverage the power of social media to tell impactful stories and connect with our community.
Tasks
- Coordinating social media campaigns and initiatives to increase awareness, membership numbers, and sponsorship
- Creating eye-catching social media graphics and managing the design of our digital presence
- Planning, curating, and managing content for our social media accounts
- Engaging with our online community by responding to comments, messages, and mentions
- Designing and sending quarterly newsletters to our sponsors and partners