Active Time
10-20 minutes
Total Project Time
10-20 minutes
Key Concepts
Navigation, programming
The Mars curiosity rover.

Introduction

How do scientists and engineers control robots that drive around other planets millions of miles away? It's nowhere near as easy as driving a toy remote-control car here on Earth. In this activity you will experience some of the challenges you face when driving a "robot" that you can't see!

Credits

Ben Finio, PhD, Science Buddies
This activity is not appropriate for use as a science fair project. Good science fair projects have a stronger focus on controlling variables, taking accurate measurements, and analyzing data. To find a science fair project that is just right for you, browse our library of over 1,200 Science Fair Project Ideas or use the Topic Selection Wizard to get a personalized project recommendation.
Next: Materials

Materials

  • Two volunteers
  • Two adjacent rooms
  • Large objects to serve as obstacles, such as furniture or boxes
  • Paper and pencil
  • Two smartphones or tablets with video chat capabilities (optional)
Next: Instructions

Reviews

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Active Time
10-20 minutes
Total Project Time
10-20 minutes
Key Concepts
Navigation, programming
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