Meet the Team
We’re multidisciplinary.
Our Subteams
Arm
The Arm subteam focuses on the design, manufacturing, integration and operation of the rover’s robotic arm.
Our goal is to develop a strong, lightweight and versatile manipulator capable of performing a wide range of tasks from picking up tools and opening drawers, to flipping switches and typing on a keyboard.
We work to implement creative and elegant solutions to make an efficient mechatronic system.
Adaptive Payload
The Adaptive Payload subteam is responsible for designing and building specialised payloads to complete the various tasks and challenges set out by competitions, such as delivering objects to a desired destination, digging in key areas for samples and exploring various terrains.
Whether it’s experimenting with materials, improving designs, or trialling new tools, the subteam’s main goal is to be flexible and adaptable to new tasks and challenges, ensuring the rover can tackle whatever comes next.
The subteam continues to push the limits of designs through research, development, prototyping, and testing new ideas.
Autonomous
The Autonomous subteam is responsible for developing the rover’s autonomous systems to compete in autonomy-based tasks in competitions such as Mapping & Autonomous at ARCh, and Autonomous Navigation at URC.
Our primary responsibilities involve the integration of path-planning algorithms, machine learning, state estimation, and sensor fusion to successfully identify and navigate towards an objective.
We always strive to improve the accuracy, reliability, and quality of our core autonomous capabilities and implement more intelligent behaviour in our systems.
Chassis
The Chassis subteam is responsible for the design, manufacture, and maintenance of the rover's core mechanical systems.
We develop custom solutions, such as our cycloidal gearboxes, and manufacture components using 3D printing, CNC and manual machining, and composite fabrication. As a core subteam, we work interdisciplinarily to deliver a reliable, integrated platform that is optimised for the demands of each competition.
Science
The Science subteam is in charge of developing payloads which contain various analytical instruments, mechanical components and electrical systems.
Our payload scientists and engineers conduct research into Lunar and Martian environments, on top of designing, validating, and manufacturing analytical instruments and extraction mechanisms.
Essentially, we combine mechanical, electrical and scientific components into a system capable of analysing and extracting resources, and detecting life.
Business & Media
The Business and Media subteam plays a critical role in sharing Monash Nova Rover’s story with the wider community, and supports the team across all non technical aspects. This includes but is not limited to, design, merchandise, media production, content creation, marketing and sponsorship.
Business and Media are also in charge of the creation of our Distributed Field Test (DFT) and Systems Acceptance Review (SAR) videos which are critical components of our competition submission.
We also work on large scale video projects which involve team collaboration, storyboarding, filming and editing and maintain all of our social media platforms.
Software
The Software subteam serves the crucial role of integrating all other subteams to create and control an operational rover for the different tasks we compete in at ARCh and URC.
This includes making the most out of the robotic arm and intricate home-made drive system, as well as streaming camera feeds and sensor data to an in-house designed and maintained GUI.
Moreover, an internally developed simulator is currently under improvement to operate and test rover control virtually.
Electrical
The Electrical sub-team is responsible for the design, assembly and maintenance of the rover’s electrical systems.
We facilitate communication between the rover and the base, design and assemble circuit boards, develop firmware, troubleshoot our systems, and manage the batteries used to power the rover.
We produce a robust system that is capable of running our microcontrollers, motor drivers, robotic arm, scientific payload, and many other elements across the rover.
Outreach
The Outreach subteam is responsible for representing Nova to the public through hands-on STEM workshops, school visits, and community events that showcase what engineering and robotics are really like in practice.
We run engaging mini-rover workshops using custom-built kits designed in-house to spark curiosity and inspire students to explore engineering.
A key focus of our work is promoting diversity in STEM through initiatives like the Pink Rover campaign, where we actively challenge stereotypes and foster inclusive conversations within the broader community.
