Building the Harkness 1.0.0
Engineering the future of planetary exploration.
We are an interdisciplinary engineering team of Yale undergraduates developing advanced autonomous systems to create an advanced rover that combines cutting-edge machine learning with a robust mechatronical design capable of detecting life on other planets.
Cool, how do we do it?
Our rover integrates systems designed by four specialized systems. The following is an overview of each subteam's main focus:
Drives & MobilityMechanical Engineering
Our rocker-bogie suspension system with differential bar ensures optimal weight distribution and obstacle climbing capability.
- →Custom water-jet cut aluminum gussets at stress points
- →Harmonic drive motors for precise torque control
- →Carbon fiber panels for lightweight durability
- →45° gradeability tested in Yale's engineering labs
Project Development Timeline
Initial Design Phase (2024-25)
Preliminary Design
- →Requirements analysis
- →Initial CAD modeling
- →Component selection
- →Team-wide design review
Critical Design
- →Finalized CAD models
- →Engineering drawings
- →Simulation validation
- →Manufacturing planning
Manufacturing & Assembly (Spring 2024-Fall 2025)
Component Fabrication
- →CNC machining of aluminum parts
- →Carbon fiber panel cutting
- →3D printing of custom components
- →PCB manufacturing
System Integration
- →Mechanical assembly
- →Electrical wiring harnesses
- →Software deployment
- →Initial power-on tests
Test & Iteration (Late Fall 2025)
Mobility Testing
Obstacle courses, slope climbing, and endurance
Arm Characterization
Payload capacity, precision, and tool changes
Science Validation
Sample collection and chemical analysis
Team Structure
Organization
Founded in Fall 2024, Yale Exploration Rover comprises thirty undergraduate students across engineering and science disciplines:
- →Project Lead: Overall operations and funding
- →Chief Engineer: Technical oversight and integration
- →4 Subteam Leads: Drives, E&C, Robotics, SMS
- →Advisors: Yale SEAS faculty and industry mentors
Affiliated with Yale's School of Engineering & Applied Sciences and collaborating with the Yale Undergraduate Aerospace Association.
Funding & Resources
Our development is supported through multiple funding channels:
- →Yale SEAS engineering grants
- →Connecticut Space Grant Consortium
- →Yale Undergraduate Aerospace Association
- →Corporate sponsorships
- →Alumni donations
We utilize Yale's machine shops, engineering labs, and testing facilities for prototyping and validation.
Subteam Composition
🛞 Drives
- →Mechanical Engineering
- →Materials Science
- →Applied Physics
⚡ Electronics & Control
- →Computer Science
- →Electrical Eng, Embedded Syst.
- →AI, Machine Learning, Comp Vis
🦾 Robotics
- →Mechanical Engineering
- →Electrical Engineering
- →Physics
🧪 Science Mission Systems
- →Physics + MechE
- →Molecular Biology
- →Geology
Our current next step
University Rover Challenge 2026
We're competing in the world's premier collegiate rover competition at the Mars Desert Research Station in Utah. Our goal is to showcase the rover's capabilities in mobility, scientific exploration, and autonomous navigation.
The URC 2026 will challenge teams from around the world to complete a series of rigorous tasks including terrain traversal, sample analysis, and autonomous delivery missions.
Learn more about the URC