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The student team Brno Mars Rover, founded at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Communication at BUT (FEEC BUT), has become the only representative from the Czech Republic to qualify for the finals of this year’s global robotics competition, the European Rover Challenge (ERC). They made it into the top 25 student teams from around the world on their first attempt, competing against a record number of 126 registered teams from 33 countries. The finals will take place on August 29–31, 2025, in Poland.
Members of the Brno Mars Rover student team. In the front row, from left: Miloš Cihlář and Stanislav Svědiroh. | Author: Václav KoníčekIn the qualification round, the jury assessed each team based on submitted technical reports detailing the functionality of the rovers and their components. The reports also included a video presentation of capabilities—driving, navigation, manipulator operation, and safety measures. A ranking of the best teams was then compiled, selecting those who would advance to the finals.
“This year’s competition had the toughest field in the past five years. The number of teams increased by more than 50% compared to last year, and since only 25 robotic teams can qualify for the finals, the bar was set very high. That makes us all the more proud that we made it on our first try,” said Stanislav Svědiroh on behalf of the Brno team.
This year’s ERC challenge focuses on the design and development of ground-based mobile robots for geological exploration of Mars ahead of human landing in 2050. “The rover must be able to collect samples, detect geological formations, drill up to 30 cm deep, or use a manipulator to repair instrumentation. The team also includes a drone that scans the surrounding terrain and assists the robot with autonomous navigation,” explained another team member, Miloš Cihlář, who, together with Svědiroh, is involved in research on cybernetics and robotics at BUT.
Rover Freya during a visit by the French ambassador to the BUT rector's office. | Author: Václav KoníčekThe BUT student rover is named Freya—after the Norse goddess of fertility and beauty—and is being developed in the robotics and artificial intelligence labs of the Department of Control and Instrumentation at FEEC BUT. Students from the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering BUT are also collaborating on the project, producing parts for the robotic arm.
Freya has undergone a major overhaul in recent months—plastic components were replaced with more robust aluminum parts, and both the chassis and manipulator were improved. After submitting the technical documentation and qualifying, the team is now preparing for testing ahead of the August finals.
The European Rover Challenge is organized by the European Space Foundation in collaboration with the AGH University of Krakow. Held in Poland since 2014, it is one of the largest competitions of student robotics teams in the world. For participants, it not only offers a chance to compete with international rivals but also to develop cutting-edge technologies with real-world applications in space research.
Related: Brno Mars Rover team website