Want to take your programming skills to the frontiers of space?
KIBO Robot Programming Challenge
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).
MISSION: Save ISS with Robots
!!! EMERGENCY ALERT IS ACTIVATED !!!
A meteor crashed to the International Space Station and the air is leaking and JAXA needs your help!
Create your own program to operate the robot and stop the air leakage.
Get your program uplinked immediately!!
*This is a fictional game story*
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
HADR 2021 PARTICIPANTS
MISSION REQUIREMENTS
- Student based in Singapore or Singaporeans based abroad (15 years old and above, to university level)
- A team must comprise of 3 or more members and must appoint a team leader
- One registration per team (no individual registration)
- Team members must have a valid email address
aCTIVITIES
- Attend guidance sessions conducted by JAXA 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
KIBO-RPC 2021 TENTATIVE SCHEDULE*
*Schedule is subject to changes.
KIBO-RPC 2020
- 1168 Students, 313 teams, 7 countries from Asia-Pacific region including Singapore
Watch the KIBO-RPC 2020 Finals:
Finalists representing Singapore:
MOONMEN GROUP
Joining the Kibo-RPC was a unique and enjoyable experience for me. The scenario given was quite realistic and I felt like we were solving real problems on the ISS. The competition was also educational as it introduced me to concepts that I wasn't exposed to in school.
It was super interesting 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 joined this competition as a final year student and this definitely left its mark on my student life. I hope there are even more of such opportunities in the future, not just for me, but for all the aspiring students who are interested in developing Singapore's space industry! As for me, I've found new motivation to work on my deep tech skills and find ways to contribute to SG's space industry.
The competition was an enjoyable journey where we got to learn so much about quaternion orientation and path planning in the face of uncertainty.
It was interesting to learn about the current technologies being implemented in the ISS, and also have a chance to interact with the platforms.
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FAQ
What is the free-flying robot that we will be programming?
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.
Can we use native codes complied by languages other than Java?
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.
Can I join if I don't have programming background?
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!
What is the maximum number of members in a team?
There is no maximum number of teammates you can have in your team. However, we do recommend to keep it below 6 for easy coordination between your team members.
Can we change our teammates?
Before the preliminary round, you are allowed to change your team members. But you are not allowed to add additional members to the team after making payment i.e. if the registered team has a total pax count of 5 when making payment, they will not be allowed to add 1 more member to the team after payment has been made.
I want to join but I do not have enough teammates. Can you help me form a team?
Of course! Please drop Belinda (belinda.hum@space.org.sg) an email and we will get back to you shortly.
What are the specs recommendation for the competition?
8GB RAM is required to install the Astrobee simulator on your computer (16GB RAM recommended)
You will also need to install Android Studio on your computer to run the programs.
How much is the registration fee?
The registration fee is $80/team.
How can I make payment for registration?
We accept payment via Paypal or PayNow. Please kindly include your team name and team members during your payment, and email a screenshot of your transaction to belinda.hum@space.org.sg
Can I get a refund if I withdraw from the competition?
Unfortunately, no refunds will be made to the withdrawing team and team members, according to the Terms and Conditions stated in our registration form.
Have any other questions? Send them our way!
Please contact Belinda:
REGISTRATION
Registration fee of $80/team will be applicable for all registrations. To find out more details, please contact belinda.hum@space.org.sg
By registering for KIBO-RPC, you shall agree to all terms and conditions stated in the following registration form:
Registration for KIBO-RPC 2021 has closed. To register your interest for the next KIBO-RPC in 2022, please kindly fill up the form below: