If you are passionate about space robotics and looking to expand your knowledge and skills in this field, applications are now open for the European Space Agency (ESA) Academy's Robotics Workshops 2025. These workshops offer university students an immersive experience in space robotics, with hands-on activities, expert guidance, and an introduction to state-of-the-art technologies in the Netherlands. This year, there are two workshops scheduled, providing double the opportunity to participate.
(ESA) Academy's Robotics Workshops 2025 Summary:
Location: European Space Research and Technology Centre (ESTEC), Noordwijk, The Netherlands
Host Institution: European Space Agency (ESA)
Target Group: University students aged 18 or above in science or engineering
Research Field: Space robotics
Study Level: Bachelor (2nd year or higher) or Integrated Master (2nd or 3rd year) students
Funding and Coverage: Fully Funded
Duration: Four days (20-23 May 2025 or 22-25 July 2025)
Application Deadline: 24 February 2025
Start Date: 20 May 2025 or 22 July 2025
Eligible To: Citizens of ESA Member States, Canada, Latvia, Lithuania, and Slovakia
Programme Overview
The Robotics Workshops are designed to provide students with an in-depth understanding of space robotics through lectures, hands-on activities, and collaborative projects. Inspired by ongoing Mars exploration missions, participants will develop and operate the ExoMy rover, a 3D-printed robot modeled after ESA's European Mars rover.
Programme Structure and Activities
Day 1: Introduction to planetary exploration, coding tools, and Robot Operating System (ROS).
Day 2: Hands-on ROS exercises, rover locomotion systems, and robotic mission simulations.
Day 3: Exploration of AI and object detection for robotic applications.
Day 4: Group challenge to navigate the rover on a simulated Martian surface.
Participants will use Python-based programming and Machine Learning techniques to enhance the rover's capabilities. They will also tackle real-world challenges, such as developing algorithms for complex terrains. The workshops culminate in a creative group challenge, and students will receive a certificate of participation and a course transcript to request ECTS credits.
Programme Coverage and Benefits
Accommodation: Fully covered accommodation and meals during the workshop.
Travel: Travel reimbursement of up to €350.
Credit Transfer: Certification and transcript to request ECTS credits.
Research: Expert-led lectures and hands-on experience with cutting-edge technology.
Eligibility Criteria
Minimum age: 18 years.
Enrolled as a Bachelor (2nd year or higher) or Integrated Master (2nd or 3rd year) student for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Studying science or engineering.
Basic knowledge of Python programming.
Citizen of an ESA Member State, Canada, Latvia, Lithuania, or Slovakia.
Application Procedure
1. Fill out the application form.
2. Submit the following documents in PDF format (all in English):
Motivation letter (max 1 page, no images).
CV (Europass format, max 2 pages, no images).
Recommendation letter from a professor or supervisor (max 1 page).
Transcript of Grades from the past two semesters or previous academic year.
3. Indicate availability and preferences for the workshops during the application process.
🗓️ Key Dates
The application deadline is 24 February 2025, 23:59 CET. Selections will be announced on 24 March 2025.
ℹ️ For more details or assistance, contact [academy.training@esa.int].
🔗 OFFICIAL LINK
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