Robotics Workshop 2024: Call for applications now open
In brief
ESA Academy is announcing that eligible university students can now apply for the Robotics Workshop 2024, to be held from 29 October to 1 November 2024 at the European Space Research and Technology Centre (ESTEC) in Noordwijk, The Netherlands. Developed by ESA’s Education Office in collaboration with experts from the ESA Planetary Robotics Lab, this workshop offers a unique learning opportunity to learn about space robotics.
In-depth
Planetary exploration is a captivating field in which ESA is making significant investments. Notable projects include the groundbreaking Rosetta mission to a comet, the ambitious Artemis mission to the Moon, which involves constructing the European Service Module, and the advanced Rosalind Franklin rover headed for Mars.
Inspired by the current and future missions of Mars exploration, the Robotics Workshop will immerse participating students in the design and operation of an ExoMy rover. This 3D-printed robot is modelled after the European rover that will explore the Martian surface. Over four days, students will focus on software, particularly the ROS2 (Robot Operating System) framework, studying the locomotion system and developing algorithms to enable the robot’s movement. Additionally, they will apply Machine Learning techniques to equip the robot with the ability to recognize specific objects on Mars.
Upon completing the workshop, students will be assessed through a group project and will receive a certificate of participation along with a course transcript. This will enable them to request ECTS credits from their respective universities.
Preliminary schedule
| Day 1 |
Introduction ESA Planetary Exploration Coding Tools Familiarisation Rover Basic Set-Up |
| Day 2 |
Robot Operating System (ROS) Robotic Mission for Mars Introduction to Simulation Rover Locomotion System |
| Day 3 |
AI and Object Detection AI for Robotic Applications |
| Day 4 |
Mars Mission Operation Final Project |
Who can apply?
Applications are open to students enrolled in university who fulfil the following criteria:
- aged minimum 18 years old;
- have no or limited professional experience in relevant scientific, engineering, or other space-related topics;
- be a citizen of an ESA Member State, Canada*, Latvia, Lithuania, Slovakia and Slovenia;
- be enrolled as a Bachelor student (2nd year or higher), or as an Integrated Master student (2nd or 3rd year) in a university for the academic year 2024-2025;
- study an engineering or science subject;
- have basic knowledge in Python programming (you will be assessed during the application process).
Selected students will be required to attend the entire 4-day workshop. They will be sponsored by ESA to cover accommodation and meals, as well as up to 300 Euros for travelling to The Netherlands.
ESA is committed to achieving diversity and creating an inclusive professional environment. To this end, we welcome proposals and applications from all eligible candidates irrespective of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, beliefs, age, disability, or other characteristics. The ESA Academy strongly encourages inclusiveness within its programmes and within participating teams, which contributes to the enrichment of our programme.
Whenever possible, we seek to accommodate individuals with disabilities by providing the necessary support, either digitally or at the location of the training. In case of any questions or specific needs, please reach out to tlp@esa.int to get assistance or advice during the application process.
*Canadian students enrolled in a Canadian post-secondary institution may apply for additional support from the Canadian Space Agency through this Announcement of Opportunity (grant applications must be submitted at least 7 weeks before the course delivery and account creation 3 weeks before the deadline). This additional support is to cover costs that are not already covered by ESA for selected Canadian post-secondary students.
How to apply
- Fill in the application form;
- Upload a motivation letter (PDF, maximum 1 page, no images);
- Upload a CV (PDF, Europass format, maximum 2 pages, no images);
- Upload a formal recommendation letter (PDF, maximum 1 page, including signature, no images) from a university professor or academic supervisor of current university (if it is not possible to receive the recommendation letter from your referee, please ask them to send a recommendation email to tlp@esa.int before the application deadline);
- Upload a copy of your Transcript of Grades from the two previous semesters, or, if not available, the previous graded academic year (PDF).
- if not available, the previous graded academic year (PDF).
All answers and documents should be in English (Transcript of Grades can be submitted in language of hosting university, if unavailable in English).
The extended deadline for applications is 7 August 2024 23:59 CEST.
For more information, please contact tlp@esa.int.