Introduction
Hey DesignSpark! We’re Project MarsWorks, a student-led group from the University of Sheffield, taking part in the Anatolian Rover Challenge 2025. After working on the Scarab 1 Rover for three years, we’ve come back to the competition more determined than ever to claim the top spot. We're feeling stronger than ever with the support from our amazing sponsors, including RS Components.
Where are we now?
Our team expanded at the start of the academic year, back in September 2024, consisting of students with a wide range of talents and experiences, from First-year students in Journalism Studies all the way to graduating Masters students in general engineering.
With the Scarab 1 being designed, built and constructed in-house for over three years, this has enabled us to perfect our rover in every aspect for the ARC 2025. This includes interchangeable segments on the Scarab 1's robot arm, which includes a drill with collection system and a two-pronged hand, which is powered by ODrive Motors for a full range of motions for any scenario.
We have also designed and experimented with a unique suspension system that allows for full motion and stability even when under load and facing uneven terrain, such as rocks and steep hills.
ARC Submission
The ARC 2025 competition follows a multifaceted approach to the stages of a real mission. With applications having to meet certain criteria in all aspects, from Science payloads to Mechanical specifications. At this stage, our team has submitted all documents and a video submission in a document detailing our design, where experts will decide on the concept proposed.
Our main work on the Scarab 1 began in January, when the first ARC "5 v1 manual was released. As we worked towards buying the necessary parts and tweaking our designs in CAD to fit ARC 2025 criteria to compete. This involved starting to choose specific parts, making sure to stay within budget, and the initial CAD designs.
Teamwork
Working together as a team, we had weekly meetings, where we would inform others in the group about progress on construction at the Graham Porter Building, as well as investigate any issues that our rover may have. We also selected the motors and batteries at this stage.
We were able to rapidly adapt the design of the rover, as it changed incrementally during this stage of the ARC 2025 manual.
With our teamwork, we were able to integrate technologies such as flight controllers and depth-sense cameras flawlessly in the chassis of the Scarab 1, without any problems, due to communication and our resolve as a team.
Challenges we’ve faced
One of the many challenges we have faced throughout the years and even now is the leaving and joining of members of Project Marsworks, as people go on to do internships, graduate and years in industry, We have to teach new members who have applied to join Project Marswork the necessary skills. This includes teaching first-year new team members, Third-year specifications and skills.
But we have found a way around this. Every year, every team lead writes down documents and plans along with schematics and previous iterations of the Scarab 1 to use as examples and training tools for new members. This has enabled us to teach on the go and advance our progress exponentially.
Next steps
Our next step is to become finalists in the ARC 2025 Selection process, which will be revealed on 20th May 2025. This will mean we have passed all the tests and reviews from the experts in the committee, to go compete in Turkey later in the summer.
However, no matter what happens, the team is proud of what we have achieved this year, striving for competition replacement after three years. We have learned a lot of valuable lessons in teamwork, engineering and perseverance.
Comments