KIBO Robot Programming Challenge
EMERGENCY ALERT ACTIVATED
The International Space Station was hit by space debris and air is leaking!
Create your own program to operate the robots and join the mission to save the ISS with Robots now!
Deadline: 14 May 2023
What is KIBO Robot Programming Challenge (RPC)?
The KIBO RPC was created by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) in 2020 in partnership with member countries of the KIBO Asian Beneficial Collaboration initiative. Students are challenged to solve complex problems onboard the International Space Station (ISS) by programming free-flying robots (Astrobee) to complete various assigned tasks.
Mission Outcomes
- Acquire programming skills required to become a free-flying robot expert capable of controlling and orientating robots in the unique setting of space
- Learn how to create efficient real-world simulation programs and gain industry knowledge through networking opportunities
- Gain the exclusive opportunity to represent Singapore and run your program on Astrobee in real-time on the ISS
Activities
- Guidance sessions conducted by JAXA and Space Faculty that will prep you with the necessary skills for the competition (Limited slots!)
- Post-competition workshop for participants to share about their experience and learn from other participating teams
- Networking opportunities with other participants and professionals from the Asia-Pacific region
Mission Outcomes
- Acquire and hone your programming skills in the unique setting of space
- Learn how to create real-world simulation programs that perform well despite uncertainties and within errors of margins
- Become a free-flying robot expert capable of controlling and orientating robots performing assigned tasks in ISS through simulation trials
KIBO-RPC is a Robot Programming Challenge created by Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) in 2020 in which students solve various problems by programming free-flying robots (Astrobee and Int-Ball) in the International Space Station (ISS)
Why should you join KIBO-RPC?
- Learn skills outside what is being taught in class and apply them in this challenge.
- Gain the exclusive opportunity to run your program on Astrobee in real-time on the ISS.
- Network with other participants and professionals from the Asia-Pacific region and gain industry knowledge.
- Stand a chance to represent Singapore on this prestigious international space platform.
Team Requirements
- A team must comprise of 3 or more members and must appoint a team leader
- Students in the team must be based in Singapore or be Singaporeans based abroad (15 years old and above, to graduate level)
- Each member is only allowed to register with one team (no individual registration)
- All team members must have a valid email address
Schedule of KIBO-RPC 2023
20 Feb
2 March
3 April
Access to Astrobee Simulator
14 May
Registration Closes
June
Workshops, Self Learning, and Program Development
July
Preliminary Round (TBC)
October
International Finals (TBC)
Activities
- Attend guidance sessions conducted by JAXA and Space Faculty that will prep you with the necessary skills for the competition (Limited slots!)
- Meet and connect with international participants from Asia-Pacific region
- Get a chance to watch ISS astronauts run your program on Astrobee in real-time on the ISS
- Post-competition workshop for participants to share about their experience and learn from other participating teams
Rules of KIBO-RPC
- Move Astrobee to Point 1 and illuminate the center of the Target 1 with Astrobee’s laser.
- Move Astrobee to near Point 2 and read AR tags around Target 2.
- Analyze the position/orientation of the target from information obtained from the AR tags.
- Adjust Astrobee’s position/orientation and illuminate the center of the target with Astrobee’s laser.
- Finally, report completion of the mission to a crew member. Your score is calculated from the accuracy of laser pointing and the elapsed time.
Hear it from our past representatives
The competition was an enjoyable journey where we got to learn so much about quaternion orientation and path planning in the face of uncertainty.
Joining the Kibo-RPC was an unique experience for me. I felt like we were solving real problems on the ISS. It introduced me to concepts that I wasn't exposed to in school and I really enjoyed the process! The whole showcase during the finals was very exciting and I'm just humbled that our code was running on the ISS! I am motivated to work on my deep tech skills and find ways to contribute to SG's space industry.
It was interesting to learn about the current technologies being implemented in the ISS, and also have a chance to interact with the platforms.
Past KIBO-RPC
Resources
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In Partnership with
Frequently Asked Questions
In this challenge, you will be developing codes to program Astrobee, NASA’s free-flying robotic system on the International Space Station. The Astrobee system runs primarily on Java and consists of three cubed-shaped robots, software and a docking station used for recharging. Astrobee uses electric fans as a propulsion system, allowing them to fly freely through the microgravity environment of the station.
No, you must develop your program with Java only. Astrobee’s guest user program is designed as Java application which work on Android device. There might be inconsistency when installed in Astrobee if you mix the languages.
While it is good to have some basic knowledge in Android programming and image processing in Java, beginners to coding can still sign up. If you require guidance sessions from JAXA, or need more help in coding, do let us know and we will provide you assistance!
Before the preliminary round, you are allowed to change your team members.
If you are based in Singapore, or a Singaporean, please drop Gillian (gillian.chin@spacefaculty.asia) an email and we will get back to you shortly.
If you are based in Singapore, or a Singaporean, please drop Gillian (gillian.chin@spacefaculty.asia) an email and we will get back to you shortly.