The Mini Mars Rover is a class project for Mechatronics. The goal is to build an autonomous robot that combines electronics, mechanical, and software systems in order to complete various tasks. Students learn about sensors, programming, and integration of mechanical and electrical components to succeed in creating a functioning mechatronic system. The Mini Mars Rover's performance heavily influences the final grade in the class, so performing well is critical.

The Mini Mars Rover is required to complete 5 tasks in under one minute. Each task completed gives additional points to the total score. First, the robot is turned on and leaves the "lander." The robot follows a black line until the first task which a ball is collected from a tower to the side of the track. The robot then approaches the second task where the ball is sorted based on color. The robot then enters "canyon mode" where the line is removed and the robot must sense the walls in order to navigate. After exiting the "canyon" the robot will continue until the "equipment servicing" station is sensed from an IR emitter. This equipment is timed, and the most points are given by getting to it in under 30 seconds. Finally the robot returns to the "lander" and turns on a laser to "communicate" it's findings, ending the run.