In October, our Pretoria Vossies celebrated a significant achievement following their participation in the Cars4Mars Africa Rover Challenge. The Cars4Mars challenges higher education and high school students to design and build a Mars rover prototype that can be controlled remotely and has an independent energy source. This competition was a first for Eduvos and marked a leap of faith that set the foundation for what promises to be an annual tradition. The competition brought together 70 teams from 11 African nations, with Eduvos being one of four teams from South Africa making it to the finale.
Exploring New Terrain with Innovation
While it was Eduvos’s first time participating in the competition, there was a clear sense of determination for our Vossies to win big. Eduvos was the only team to control their Mars Rover remotely using camera footage. While other teams relied on close proximity to their rovers, Eduvos demonstrated a next-level approach, similar to the challenges faced by real-world space missions.
When technical issues caused the rover to dig instead of move during the first mission, our Vossies showcased incredible problem-solving skills. With just an hour to spare, they sourced new equipment, rebuilt their rover on-site, and successfully completed their task.
Determination Yields Success
The competition consisted of three different missions, the Offroad Mission, the Astronaut Support Mission, and the Science Mission. The team’s standout performance earned them the Best Science Mission Award, highlighting their ability to analyse and classify martian-like rocks and objects remotely. In the semi-finals, the team’s resilience in overcoming challenges was recognised with the Perseverance Award, a testament to their unwavering dedication and teamwork.
We are proud of our Vossies for their achievements. The team includes:
Team Supervisor: Masego Sefihlolo, Eduvos Lecturer (Team Supervisor)
As Eduvos continues to participate in Cars4Mars, the journey ahead promises not only more awards but also the growth of a community dedicated to pushing the boundaries of technology and exploration.
Explore our robotics qualifications and be part of a future where innovation knows no bounds.
Applications for 2025 are still open! Pre-enrol today to secure your seat and take the first step towards your future. Orientation and Induction kick off the week of 10 February 2025, and classes officially start on 17 February 2025. Don’t miss out–get ready to start your journey with us!
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