Arm Dexterity

Description

A cargo shuttle is scheduled to return to orbit, carrying essential scientific samples. However, an incoming solar storm threatens to disrupt the mission. The shuttle must be fueled, prepared, and launched within the next hour as the solar storm will cause interference with the shuttle’s guidance and communication systems, making a launch impossible.

The shuttle uses a quick-connect fueling system that must be configured manually, requiring careful attention to the operation manual. Given the tight deadline and damage to the shuttle from a previous crash landing, some safety overrides may be necessary to expedite the fuel transfer. Due to these risks, it is unsafe for personnel to be present at the site, and all tasks must be carried out remotely by your rover. With limited fuel and time, your team must prioritize the loading of key samples based on the amount of fuel successfully transferred.

Once the fuel transfer is complete and all possible cargo has been loaded, your team must prep the shuttle by detaching the fuel hose, disconnecting the power cable, and manually closing the lander panels. The final critical step: initiate the launch sequence before the solar storm hits.

It’s up to your team and your rover to complete this complex sequence of tasks under immense time pressure, ensuring the samples reach orbit safely.

Requirements

  1. Attach a quick connect hose fitting to the shuttle for refueling:
    1. Details of the fitting will be provided as available. Expect to connect the hose by pushing the fitting in, and disconnect the hose by pulling a spring-loaded collar. The collar is planned to be modified for easier gripping.
  2. Interact with a variety of buttons, levers, and switches to adjust settings or resolve problems with the fueling system or shuttle, by observing data readouts and using information provided in the Operation Manual:
    1. The specific requirements will be randomized per team, but expect to manipulate all buttons, levers, and switches for perfect completion.
  3. Load as much cargo as possible into the shuttle:
    1. Teams will need to estimate the amount of cargo appropriate to load depending on the amount of fuel successfully transferred using the Operation Manual guidelines. Loading an incorrect amount of cargo will be reflected in scoring.
    2. Details of the cargo will be provided as available. Expect to choose between multiple sizes of items ranging from 0.3kg to 3kg, with at least one handle for grasping.
  4. Prepare the shuttle and initiate launch:
    1. Disconnect the refueling hose.
    2. Disconnect the power cable.
    3. Close the shuttle doors.
    4. Press the launch button and clear the area.

Documentation Provided

Task documentation will be provided as it is created in advance of the event. Review the 2024 task documentation for a preview of the shuttle (lander) and types of documentation provided.

  1. Diagram of the Fuel Control Panel including locations of buttons, switches, and displays.
  2. Diagram of the Shuttle including location of fuel and power receptacles
  3. Operation Manual for operation of the Shuttle and Fuel Control Panel
  4. Diagram of the hose fittings and power cable
  5. Diagram and weights of the cargo to load onto the shuttle

Judge’s Commentary

  1. The task requirements are intended to be approachable in many ways and some may be completed out-of-order.
  2. If a team is unable to complete part of the task with their rover and unable to progress, a Major Intervention may be called to skip this step. No score will be given for the skipped step, and the usual intervention penalty will be applied. Steps that don’t directly block progress such as cargo loading or fuelling can not be skipped.
  3. The task area for this event will be outside of the event center and wired communication will not be possible.
  4. This task will involve liquid water and may result in spills, leaks, or spray if controls are mis-operated.