IIT Madras wins Indian Rover Challenge, Polish team second

Team Udayavani, Jan 14, 2019, 6:31 AM IST

Manipal: Having been in the lead at the start of the third and final day of the Indian Rover Challenge 2019, Team Anveshak from IIT Madras went on to emerge winners at the MIT ground here on Saturday. AGH Space Systems, AGH University of Science & Technology, Poland secured the second position and IUT Mars Rover, Islamic University of Technology, Bangladesh won the 3^rd place.

For its first position, IIT Madras were awarded RS 50,000, AGH Space system received Rs 30,000 and IUT Bangladesh Rs 20,000. Organized by Manipal Institute of Technology (MIT) with support from MRPL as major sponsor and The Mars Society, USA for technical guidance, the second edition of IRC witnessed keen competition right through.  Five Indian teams and five from overseas took part in the challenge.

The third day consisted of Science Cache tasks for the teams which had to collect soil from the site and then analyze it with onboard sensors and tests. The task was based on the chances of finding life on Mars. They later had to present their findings in a 15-minute presentation. IUT Mars Rover from Bangladesh scored the highest in the task with AGH space system from Poland standing second and Team Anveshak from IIT Madras standing third in the task.

At the valedictory later in the day where the prizes were distributed, Mr. Prashanth Baliga, General Manager – Corporate Communication, MRPL was the Chief Guest and Dr Vinod Thomas, Registrar Evaluation MAHE was the guest of honour. Dr Srikanth Rao, Director MIT was also present.