Under the theme “Artificial Intelligence and Optimization,” the Faculty of Computers, Informatics, and Microelectronics at the Technical University of Moldova organized the 13th edition of the prestigious student competition “Earth Rover” from December 16 to 20, 2024. The event, dedicated to celebrating UTM’s 60th anniversary, brought together the brightest talents in robotics and information technologies, reaffirming the university’s role as a leader in education and innovation.
“Earth Rover” offers a unique platform for UTM students to showcase their creativity, technical skills, and teamwork. It’s a competition that challenges and inspires!
This year, eight teams representing programs in Robotics and Mechatronics, Computers and Networks, Automation and Informatics, Microelectronics and Nanotechnologies, Applied Electronics, and Information Technology tackled a complex challenge: designing and programming a mobile robot capable of navigating a predefined course with maximum efficiency, functionality, and speed.
The FCIM laboratories and the “Hard & Soft” Student Center for Technical Creativity served as the innovation hubs where creativity met technology. Each team received an identical set of devices, transforming the available resources into ingenious solutions.
The competition wrapped up with dynamic presentations in front of a panel of experts and key partners, including “AROBS Software Chișinău” SRL, “IAW Internationale Academie,” “Mechatronics Innovation Center” SRL, and “BSW TECH” SRL.
The dedication and ingenuity of the participants were reflected in the final rankings, which recognized the winners:
- 1st Place: “White Phosphorus” team (Ilie ZLOI, Stanislav CIOLPAN, Vlad RUSU) – students in Computers and Networks, and Information Technology.
- 2nd Place: “ForeverYoung ForeverDrunk” team (Alexei MEISOV, Nicolina ȚURCAN, Xenia MASLOVA) – Robotics and Mechatronics students.
- 3rd Place: “Force_RM” team (Nicu DRUMEA, Andrei CLIMA, Vladislav CORCODEL) – Robotics and Mechatronics students.
The competition not only showcased the students’ advanced technical knowledge but also emphasized the importance of teamwork, competitive spirit, and innovation. Each robot was a technological masterpiece – proof that artificial intelligence and optimization algorithms are not just theoretical concepts but tools shaping the future.
The event was successfully coordinated by the FCIM-UTM Dean, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dumitru CIORBĂ, and his team: Viorica SUDACEVSCHI, Victor ABABII, Radu MELNIC, Viorel CĂRBUNE, and Silvia MUNTEANU.
A heartfelt thank you to our strategic partners for their support and congratulations to all participants for their outstanding work!
“Earth Rover 2024” is more than just a competition – it’s a lesson in courage, creativity, and determination. Participants have proven that in an increasingly technological world, skills in artificial intelligence and robotics are not just valuable but essential for professional success and personal growth.
Congratulations to everyone, and best of luck in future technological challenges!
