UWRT has three robots that they designed, built and programmed to complete specific tasks at competition. Two of these are autonomous robots, meaning that they are left completely to their own devices during competition — no remote controls necessary, just a “start” button! At competition, these robots detect obstacles using lasers, cameras and GPS, and then avoid them without any guidance from their creators.
The third project is the team’s Mars Rover, a small, remote-controlled vehicle that competes in mock planetary explorations each year at the University Rover Challenge. The competition sends robots into a desert, and challenges teams to complete tasks remotely. “They try to make it as much like you’re on Mars as possible,” says Stuart. Tasks include everything from working with a delayed signal to wiping dust off the rover’s camera.
Building these robots requires skills from a variety of disciplines, and team members come from many programs: Mechatronics, Computer, Electrical, and Mechanical Engineering to name a few. But you don’t have to be in Engineering to join, nor do you need experience building robots. “We’re looking for dedicated people,” says Stuart, “even if they don’t know much about robotics.”
UWRT is just one of the many student-run teams at Waterloo. Teams design and build novel technologies that are put to the test at university competitions. If you ask Stuart, they also open up some great opportunities — his role on UWRT helped him land a co-op job with Clearpath Robotics, and get experience in an industry he’s passionate about!