Inspiration from space

Under the motto “We inspire a new generation”, the goal of the European Rover Challenge is to generate excitement for space travel and promote the importance of advanced technologies. The University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland (FHNW) participated in the 2023 competition with a team of 22 students from various disciplines, ranging from computer science and mechanical engineering, to electronics engineering and information technology. Endress+Hauser employees Joel Becker, Daniel Richner, Nadine Richard and Pascal Weber brought their skills and technical know-how to the team to help solve the complex task. The students collaborated on their Mars Rover for months, from the first drawings to the technical documentation. At the end of the day the team from FHNW achieved an outstanding result by placing second in the international university competition. In an interview Joe Becker und Pascal Weber, project managers for the team, talked about their experience and insights.

Joel: I gained valuable experience, particularly in terms of project management. I was able to manage the project together with Pascal Weber. Coordinating 22 students from various degree programs was not always easy, because apart from the project activities, we also had lectures, which meant we were not always available.  The insights I gained into project management and collaboration definitely benefit me in my professional work environment at Endress+Hauser. The Rover Challenge required agreements with various external partners, including marketing, administrators at FHNW and our sponsors. The skills I acquired here are certainly advantageous for my job at Endress+Hauser.

Joel: Collaboration and team work are extremely important for us. For the Rover project, the activities are usually divided into different packets. Students from various degree programs are often involved in the individual work packets. For example: mechanical engineers design and produce the parts, electronics and information technology engineers develop the required electronics and computer scientists write the software code for controlling the components. Most of this takes place in parallel due to time constraints. Close collaboration and good coordination among all participants is imperative so that everything runs smoothly at the end.