23 questions with RA: Mussa Aliyev

Mussa Aliyev is a third-year Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering student and a member of the NU Rover team, where he works on the science hardware system. In this transcript, he explains how the team designs and builds a planetary exploration rover capable of collecting soil samples, performing biochemical analysis, and completing complex tasks in competition-like environments.

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The story highlights interdisciplinary engineering, teamwork, and real-world problem solving — demonstrating how student-led projects contribute to advancing robotics and space technology expertise.

Introduction and Role in the Science Hardware System

Hello everyone, my name is Mussa. I’m a third year student in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering and currently I’m a Mechanical Engineer in the NU Rover team. More specifically, I work for the science hardware system where we create a payload for our rover so that it can collect soil samples and send them onboard for further analysis by the wet lab team. The wet lab team conducts biochemical experiments with the samples to analyze them and search for traces of microbiological life.

2. Subsystem Structure and Competition-Based Adaptability

We have around six or seven subsystems in the NU Rover team, each responsible for a specific area within the competition requirements. Every competition we participate in has a set of technical and operational requirements that we must follow in order to complete the assigned tasks successfully. For example, we always need electrical and mechanical engineering teams, but sometimes we also require a dedicated science payload team and a robotic arm team. This allows our rover to manipulate its environment — lifting heavy loads, pressing buttons, and performing precise operations. Since every competition has different requirements, our system is fluid and adaptable rather than fixed to a strict number of subsystems.

3. Team Communication and Collaborative Workflow

Every week we hold a general meeting where the entire team gathers to discuss issues related to the full life cycle of the rover. In addition, we organize working hours almost every day or every few days in our laboratory. During these sessions, sub-teams — mechanical, electrical, and software engineers — collaborate closely. For example, mechanical and electrical engineers may work together on wiring management for the robotic arm, or mechanical engineers may focus on modeling tasks. Despite being divided into sub-teams, we are never isolated. Communication between subsystems is constant and essential for our success.

4. Maintaining Progress within Challenges

One of our biggest challenges was maintaining consistent progress throughout the year. During winter and summer breaks, club membership was limited, and only five or six members were regularly present in the lab. With reduced manpower across different teams, we had to work more collaboratively than ever. Mechanical engineers frequently coordinated with electrical and software engineers to maintain progress, particularly while preparing for the Canadian International Rover Challenge. This challenge strengthened our integration as a team and reinforced constant interdisciplinary communication.

5. From Requirements to Concept Development

The life cycle of our rover for each competition begins with defining the requirements our system must satisfy. Based on these requirements, each subsystem proposes initial concepts. Mechanical engineers, for example, create rough sketches and drafts outlining their vision of the rover’s structure and functionality.

6. Detailed Design, Prototyping, and Manufacturing

After concept development, we move to detailed design using CAD software and simulations. Then we prototype the components. Most plastic parts of the rover are produced in-house using 3D printers. Metallic parts are manufactured with the assistance of the NU Machine Shop, which has supported us significantly throughout the year.

7. Electrical Integration and Power Systems Development

Once mechanical fabrication and prototyping are completed, electrical engineers begin their work. They focus on wiring, soldering, and developing systems such as the power distribution board. Their work ensures that the rover’s hardware components function reliably and safely.

8. Software Integration and Mobility Control

After electrical integration, software engineers implement and integrate code to control the rover’s wheels and robotic arm. This enables remote operation and autonomous movement, allowing the rover to drive freely and execute assigned tasks.

9. Field Testing and Competition Simulation

Testing is a crucial stage in rover development. During the summer, we frequently tested the rover outdoors on campus in competition-like environments. We practiced remote control operations, robotic arm manipulation, lifting heavy objects, and pressing buttons or keyboards with precision using the rover’s gripper and deflector systems.

10. Development and Integration of the Robotic Arm

The subsystem I am most proud of is our robotic arm payload. It was previously one of the least developed systems, existing only as rough sketches in SOLIDWORKS. Today, it is a fully integrated system with five joints, controlled using inverse kinematics aligned with joystick movements. We continuously test and improve the arm to ensure functionality, stability, and reliability.

11. Engineering Debates and Evidence-Based Decision Making

Technical debates are common within our team and are actively encouraged. When two engineering solutions compete, we prototype simplified versions of both and compare them in simulated competition environments. This experimental approach helps us choose the most reliable and practical solution. While some engineers advocate for more complex mechanisms, I personally believe simpler solutions often provide greater reliability. Ultimately, testing determines the final decision.

12. Mentorship and Onboarding New Members

Onboarding new members is a critical responsibility. We assign newcomers simple but meaningful tasks connected to real subsystems so they can quickly apply their skills and gain confidence. Experienced members guide them through design, fabrication, and testing processes. This ensures both skill development and immediate contribution to the rover’s progress.

13. Preparation for the Australian Rover Challenge 2026

Our team is currently preparing for the Australian Rover Challenge 2026 in Adelaide. To qualify, we must submit a System Acceptance Review technical report detailing fabrication, testing, and development processes. We must also provide a video demonstrating remote operation and task completion in a competition-like environment.

14. Future Goals: New Prototype and Team Growth

Our primary goal is to achieve strong results at the Australian Rover Challenge. For this, we plan to develop a new rover prototype that may include a redesigned chassis, updated electrical architecture, and improved wheel systems. At the same time, we aim to expand our team by onboarding new members while preserving the collaborative culture that defines our success.

Thank you so much!