2025
Started a consultancy project with Marelli
ASTRA Robotics
About the club
Team ASTRA Robotics is a student-led robotics research club dedicated to advancing innovation in robotics. We design intelligent, autonomous systems to participate in prestigious global competitions, and lead outreach programmes to inspire the next generation of innovators. We were founded as a project under the RVCE Chapter of the International Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. To this day, we still hold multiple ventures with the IEEE Robotics and Automation chapter of RVCE.
We provide hands-on experience in solving real-world technical, organisational, and engineering challenges, fostering a competitive yet collaborative environment where students can experiment, innovate and grow. Whether it’s developing advanced robotic systems, competing in global challenges, or engaging in STEM outreach, we cultivate creativity, leadership and technical excellence. Our work spans autonomous mobility, AI-driven systems and industrial automation.
MILESTONES
2025
Presented Project T.A.R.A to the Chief of Defense of Indian Army in IIT Kanpur
2025
University Rover Challenge Systems Acceptance Report 79/100
2024
ISRO Rover Challenge top 50 teams
2023
International Rover Design Challenge Runners Up
2020
Launched Doggo the Quadruped
2020
Launched the Warehouse Automation Robot
2019
International Rover Challenge Finalists
2018
Launched the Astra Rover Project
2017
Launched the Autonomous Car Project (now WIRIN Centre of Excellence)
2017
Cisco RVCE IoT Center of Excellence launched with Team ASTRA Robotics making the first RVCE-Cisco IoT Box
2017
MoU signed with Hyper Verge for Projects
2015
Founded and Established Under the International Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers
How to join the club
First-year students join through a written test where we cover fundamental logical reasoning questions as well as creative thinking and design questions followed by personal technical interviews.
In year one, members work on basic mechanics, electronics and microcontroller projects. By year two, they take part in major projects like the University Rover Challenge. In years three and four, members focus on research and development projects.
Key Initiatives
1.Competitions
We participate in multiple National and International Competitions
- University Rover Challenge, European Rover Challenge, International Rover Challenge.
- Eyantra IIT Bombay
- ISRO Robotics Challenge
- Other Hackathons
2. Research Projects
We are also actively involved in the forefront of robotics research in all domains from Machine Learning, Control systems and Embedded systems
- Warehouse Automation Rover
- Doggo – Quadruped Bot
- Astra Bionic arm
- Astra Neuromorphic Project
3. Outreach Programme
We host and organise various outreach events to increase interest in the field
- GENESIS – flagship outreach programme where we go to multiple High Schools in and around Bangalore to teach the fundamentals of electronics, control systems and programming
- Skill labs – we organise and teach robotic skills in electronics and software to college students to increase industry-demanding skills
- Mock Interviews – To get students prepared for their placement interviews
4.Consultancy Projects
We design and develop projects for various companies and sponsors based on their needs and requirements.
Our Team
We are a 150+ member strong team, from first-year to final-year students, united by a shared passion for pushing engineering limits and building next-generation robotic systems.
Faculty Advisor:
Dr. Geetha K.S.
Vice Principal, RVCE
2 Team Leads
Kamath Abhay Sunil and Jeevottam Heble
System Engineer and Project Engineer
Technical Subsystems
- Power
- Embedded
- Machine Learning
- Navigation
- Mechanical
- Communication
- Astro-Biology
Non-Technical Subsystems
- Outreach Programme
- Social Media
- Treasurer
- Sponsorships and Marketing
CONTACT US
Website: 
teamastra@rvce.edu.in
kabhaysunil.ee22@rvce.edu.in
Kamath Abhay Sunil (Team Lead)
+91 8197169178
Jeevottam (Team Lead)
+91 86187 0577
Sponsors and collaboration
Our Projects
Project T.A.R.A.
(Team Astra Robotics Aurelius)
Mars Rover Prototype for the Rover Challenge Series around the world in USA, Poland, Turkey and India
Highlights:
- Drive System: Open gear differential with skid steering via differential drive.
- Robotic Arm: 5-DOF arm capable of pick-and-place tasks and lifting up to 10 kg.
- Custom Gearboxes: Cycloidal and spur gear reduction systems designed and fabricated in-house.
- Navigation: Supports teleoperation and waypoint navigation.
Watch our Systems Acceptance Review for URC video:
Project W.A.R.
(Warehouse Automation Robot)
A next-gen autonomous delivery and logistics platform designed for speed and efficiency.
Highlights:
- Lightweight aluminum and acrylic chassis
- Linear actuators lifting up to 10 kg
- 2D LiDAR-based mapping
- ArUco marker–based navigation
- Teleoperation mode with autonomous Navigation
Project W.A.R.
(Warehouse Automation Robot)
A next-gen autonomous delivery and logistics platform designed for speed and efficiency.
Highlights:
- Lightweight aluminum and acrylic chassis
- Linear actuators lifting up to 10 kg
- 2D LiDAR-based mapping
- ArUco marker–based navigation
- Teleoperation mode with autonomous Navigation
Doggo – Quadruped Robot
A four-legged robot inspired by real-world quadrupeds, designed for agility and adaptability.
Key Features:
- 3-DOF legs with high-torque BLDC motors
- Efficient power transmission via belts, pulleys, and bearings
- Lightweight but sturdy hybrid design (3D-printed & metal)
- Real-time kinematics and gait planning for dynamic movement
- Modular platform for AI and machine learning integration
Genesis Outreach Program
Our outreach initiative aims to inspire high school students to explore robotics and STEM. We conduct interactive workshops where students learn to design, build and programme robots. We have visited multiple institutions and guided students through building a Wi-Fi–controlled bot. From theory to hands-on assembly, they learned the complete build process with our support every step of the way. Genesis isn’t just about robots — it’s about sparking curiosity, building problem-solving skills, and showing the next generation that engineering is a path to creating the future.
Genesis Outreach Program
Our outreach initiative aims to inspire high school students to explore robotics and STEM. We conduct interactive workshops where students learn to design, build and programme robots. We have visited multiple institutions and guided students through building a Wi-Fi–controlled bot. From theory to hands-on assembly, they learned the complete build process with our support every step of the way. Genesis isn’t just about robots — it’s about sparking curiosity, building problem-solving skills, and showing the next generation that engineering is a path to creating the future.
Awards and Recognitions
2024
Eyantra IIT Bombay winners
2023
ISRO Rover challenge top 50 finalists
2023
International Rover Design Challenge runners up
2019
IRC finalists
2018
Flipkart Grid winners
2017
IEEE Hackathon winners
2017
Smart India Hackathon 2nd place
2017
Eyantra IIT Bombay finalist rank 4/2000
2017
Dexters lab IISc Winners
2017
Phyxit IISc Winners
2016
Trail Blazer Challenge NITK Surathkal Winners
2016
Mercedes Benz Hackathon Winners
2016
QuEST ingenium Hackathons Runners
2016
Microbotics IIT Madras Finalists
2015
Shastra IIT Madras Winners
2015
Anveshan Runners
