“In my lectures, I recommend every student to join the WARR. Experience shows that these become the best graduates of a cohort, therefore I support their activities until this day, and of course, also into the future”.

(©Uli Benz): Professor Ulrich Hans Walter, former Astronaut and Director of the Chair of Astrodynamics at TUM

More Than a Student Club

WARR Space Robotics opens a unique door for every member: to work and learn from like-minded individuals and expand your skills beyond the lecture hall, while gaining access to a broader network of supporters and related events. The WARR name stands for professionalism, excellent problem-solving skills and an ability to tackle challenges from unusual angles – all of which represent valuable skills sought after by employers. They can also become the foundation for building your own projects outside of the organization (see Isar Aerospace and Ororatech as examples of WARR-born success stories).

Bavarian Prime Minister Markus Söder and State Minister Markus Blume with our mini-rover “Little Maggus” © Robert Brouczek

Some of our benefits at a glance:

  • Network of contacts in the German and European space industry, e.g., DLR Institute of Robotics and Mechatronics in Oberpfaffenhofen
  • Access to a dedicated workshop for research and development as well as to the MakerSpace at Garching Forschungszentrum & City Center.
  • Working & studying 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
  • 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
  • Certificate of participation after one semester of active membership.

Who are we looking for?

Whether you come from a STEM Background or are just eager to learn, we are glad to welcome you in the following roles:

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.

Task Examples

  • Regular maintenance, updating and improvement of the Docker images used (Ubuntu/Fedora Linux)
  • Assist in the implementation and management of CI/CD pipelines (Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment)

Overview

Teams: CRATER/GRAKSLER

The climber is controlled from a web-based interface to monitor different systems during operation. As the project grows larger so do the requirements to be able to reliably display the information and also relay it to the climber.

Project CRATER is also aiming to implement a similar interface for their project, as the current set up runs on a dedicated laptop. You’d have the opportunity to participate in both projects simultaneously as a result.

Task Examples

  • Maintenance of the current UI for project GRAKSLER & modify it as required.
  • Implementation of a web UI for the rover of Team CRATER.

Overview

Teams: CRATER

The rover runs on the ROS2 framework, which requires appropriate set up and maintenance to ensure a stable operation. By far the most time-demanding role at the software level of the project.

Task Examples

  • 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 autonomous navigation algorithm.
  • Implementation and continuous improvement of the robotic arm control software components.
  • Implementation and continuous improvement of the virtual testing simulation prior to deployment on the rover.

Overview

Teams: CRATER/GRAKSLER

Our projects use data from various sensors such as cameras, LiDAR (Light Detection And Ranging), and IMUs (Inertial Measurement Units). Mechanical components can also provide data about movement and/or position. However, this data contains noise and precision errors, which is why robots typically consider multiple sensor data sources and combine them (sensor fusion) to obtain the best possible estimate of the robot’s position and trajectory.

Task Examples

  • CRATER: Setting up and properly configuring the Robot Localization Package, which uses an Extended Kalman Filter to fuse sensor data.
  • GRAKSLER: custom implementation and maintenance of an Extended Kalman Filter for the climber.

Overview

Teams: CRATER/GRAKSLER

We need to send command signals remotely to the rover so it can begin its terrain exploration, or to the climber to have a controlled ascent / descent. 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.

Task Examples

  • Development of communication systems to ensure reliable real-time signal transmission between the ground station and the rover/climber.
  • Monitoring and troubleshooting communication channels to ensure high availability and low latency.

Overview

Teams: CRATER/GRAKSLER

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.

Task Examples

  • Designing a Printed Circuit Board with KiCAD.
  • Prototyping of electronic components.
  • Functional testing of printed circuit boards.

Overview

Teams: CRATER/GRAKSLER

Our microcontrollers need to be configured and programmed to ensure correct communication and control. Without this setup, the rover and climber systems will remain inactive, their motors won’t receive commands, and no movement will occur. This step is essential for initializing all control loops, processing sensor data, and enabling coordinated operation between various key subsystems.

Task Examples

  • 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, manufacture, and assemble components as precisely as possible so that the robots can function properly. Some components will be purchased off-the-shelf, while others will be designed and 3D printed or machined at the Workshop and MakerSpace. Furthermore you have the option of contributing to two projects at the same time in this role, as the skills of this role are universally applicable.

Task Examples

  • Working with AutoDesk Inventor Professional 3D CAD and VistaPoint Cloud PDM.
  • Assist in the maintenance and improvement of the rover’s chassis.
  • Assist in the design of a robotic sampling arm and tools (f.e. a deep-sampling drill) for the rover.
  • Assist in the design and manufacture of the space elevator’s gearbox, drive-wheels and structural components.
  • Periodic maintenance & servicing of mechanical assemblies.

Overview

Teams: CRATER

This task is primarily aimed at participating at the European Rover Challenge. The goal is to demonstrate a solid understanding for conducting scientific explorations under the conditions of planetary geology, with the assistance of the rover’s systems.

Task Examples

  • Design of a scientific exploration plan based on the ERC task descriptions & previous competitions’ results.
  • Determine the necessary tools and procedures for obtaining samples and analyzing them (includes coordination with the mechanical and software teams).
  • Execution of the scientific exploration plan at the “Mars Test Site” during the ERC.

Overview

Teams: CRATER

This task is primarily aimed at participating at the European Rover Challenge. The goal is to demonstrate a solid understanding for conducting scientific explorations under the conditions of planetary geology, with the assistance of the rover’s systems.

Task Examples

  • Design of a sampling plan based on the ERC task descriptions & previous competitions’ results.
  • Decision of the sampling point at the “Mars Test Site” based on the available data regarding the conditions and geophysical characteristics that offer the greatest chance of finding life.
  • Performing pH measurements of water taken from plastic containers that are buried at half-depth in the designated area.
  • Onsite analysis of the sample data (requires coordination with software and mechanical teams).

Overview

Teams: All

Our projects live through our social media channels & supporters. Thus it’s important to maintain our online presence and contact circle alive through regular updates about our work, as well as bring in new supporters periodically.

Task Examples

  • Creating eye-catching social media material and maintaining our online presence.
  • Engaging with our online community by responding to comments, messages, and mentions.
  • Prepare newsletter content.
  • Researching relevant firms that could provide support to us & reaching out.
  • Forwarding potential cooperation opportunities to team leads.

Convinced? Sign up here!

Sign Up Form

Scroll to Top