Distance Capability

The rover must be capable of traveling a minimum distance of 60 feet (18.3 meters) in during mission operation and navigating to specified GPS waypoints with an accuracy of within 1.5 feet (0.45 meters) of the target. The RF beacon will continuously transmit distance commands at regular intervals, instructing the rover to travel distances ranging from 5 to 30 feet (1.52 to 9.14 meters). The rover must accurately interpret and execute these commands to demonstrate precise motion control.

Time Restriction

Each mission must be completed within a defined time frame to demonstrate efficiency and reliability. The rover should complete a 10-foot square drive within 60 seconds and a straight-line distance of 15-30 feet in under 30 seconds. For obstacle avoidance and GPS navigation tasks, it must successfully reach designated waypoints within 120 to 180 seconds. Adhering to these time constraints ensures the rover's responsiveness and capability in real-world applications.

Travel Accuracy

RF Communication

The rover must receive and process 12-character messages transmitted via an RF beacon at regular intervals. Distance commands will be formatted as XnnZZZZZZZZZ where nn is the intended distance in feet (e.g., "X15ZZZZZZZZZ" for 15 feet). GPS coordinates are transmitted as NxxxxxWyyyyy, where xxxxx represents the decimal extension of latitude (39.xxxxx°N) and yyyyy represents the decimal extension of longitude (-108.yyyyy°W). The rover must decode and execute these commands accurately in real-time.

Obstacle Avoidance

The rover must autonomously detect and avoid obstacles within its path while maintaining efficient movement. In enclosed areas, it should navigate for 60 seconds without contacting walls or other obstructions with a minimum distance of 1 inch. When faced with an obstacle along a predefined path, the rover must reroute effectively and continue toward its original destination. Implementing an intelligent avoidance algorithm allows for seamless navigation in unpredictable environments.

GPS Communication

The rover must integrate GPS technology to navigate toward specified waypoints with a high degree of accuracy. It should continuously process location data transmitted via RF signals and adjust its movement accordingly. The GPS system must enable the rover to position itself within 15 feet of a given target while following optimal travel paths. This functionality is essential for autonomous operation in outdoor environments.

Drop Test

The rover must demonstrate durability by withstanding an 18-inch drop onto a hard surface without loss of functionality. All critical components, including the chassis, sensors, and electronics, must be securely housed to prevent damage. After the drop test, the rover should resume normal operation without recalibration or performance degradation. Ensuring impact resistance enhances the rover’s reliability in rugged terrain and unexpected conditions.

Weight Limit

The total weight of the rover, including its 1.5”x1.5”x1.5” payload marker, must not exceed 4.00 pounds (1.81 kg). The design should optimize weight distribution for stability while ensuring sufficient power efficiency for mobility. Material selection should prioritize lightweight yet durable components to maintain both structural integrity and maneuverability.

Water Resistance

The rover must remain operational under simulated rainy conditions, referred to as the "sprinkler test". All electrical components must be shielded from moisture exposure using waterproof enclosures or coatings as compliant with IP42. The system should function without degradation when subjected to light to moderate water spray for at least 5 minutes, ensuring reliability in unpredictable environmental conditions.