56 teams signed up for Mars rovers competition in Kielce

The European Rover Challenge (ERC) is a prestigious competition of Martian rovers built by student teams. The ERC is the European counterpart of the University Rover Challenge held in the United States. The first edition of the ERC was organized in 2014; the 5th edition will take place this year.

In the recently completed recruitment process, 56 teams from 16 countries on 6 continents signed up for this year`s competition. The best teams will compete for the podium place during the finals on September 13-15 at the Kielce University of Technology campus.

"The participation of European teams in the competition continues to grow. This year it is 60% of all entries" - emphasizes Magda Worytko, coordinator of the international mobile robot competition European Rover Challenge, quoted in a press release. "We have 17 brand new teams from around the world, and for the first time this year there are also those who came to the ERC 2018 as spectators in order to better prepare for this year`s competition" - she adds.

According to the organizer, the ERC competition brand is now more recognizable internationally. "The high level of tasks for the participants prompts teams to more thoroughly verify their capabilities at the stage of submitting the first documentation. We receive more applications from teams that are experienced participants in various robotic contests around the world" - Worytko notes.

The organizers remind that the recruitment of projects to the ERC Pro formula is still open. It is addressed to teams that professionally deal with robotics and space technologies. "ERC Pro gives young professionals unique opportunities because of mutual inspiration with regard to innovative solutions in the field of space technologies, robotics, automation, etc., but above all, support in establishing international cooperation, presentation of their designs to potential investors and the possibility of commercialisation of certain solutions for university teams, it is an opportunity for direct contact and conversations with more experienced teams and specialists" - they emphasize.

In addition, the organizers have started recruitment of exhibitors for the Science and Technology Show Zone. It is designed for those who want to learn more about the outer space and related technologies, robotics, their importance and possible practical applications in various areas of life, including industry, medicine, agriculture, education.

The 5th edition of the ERC will also be accompanied by a conference attended by representatives of the world of science and business from Poland and abroad, as well as mentoring and business workshops for teams.

Co-organizers of the European Rover Challenge 2019 are the European Space Foundation, Mars Society Polska, Special Economic Zone "Starachowice" S.A. and the Kielce University of Technology. The honorary patrons of this year`s edition of the ERC are the ESA, the Ministry of Science and Higher Education, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Polish Space Agency and the Marshal of the Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship.

PAP - Science in Poland

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