A team of students from Bangladesh University of Textiles (BUTEX) and Rajshahi University of Engineering and Technology (RUET), collectively known as Cortex Robotics, has secured a spot in the international finals of the 6th Kibo Robot Programming Challenge (Kibo-RPC). This competition, a collaboration between NASA and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), challenges participants to program robots to autonomously perform tasks aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Cortex Robotics triumphed over more than 100 teams in Bangladesh, achieving the highest score of 289.13 points in the national round. The team is now set to represent Bangladesh in the global finals in Japan. The team comprises six members: Mohammad Humam Hossain (BUTEX), and Nazib Abrar, Avik Arefin, Raihanul Haque, RagibRownak, and Rahgir Rafi (all from RUET). Their journey to the finals was marked by over 80 days of intensive preparation, during which they developed an Android application to control the Astrobee robot. This robot is designed to navigate the zero-gravity environment of the ISS, assisting astronauts in locating objects and performing maintenance tasks. Team leader Mohammad Humam Hossain expressed the team’s excitement and pride in representing Bangladesh on such a prestigious platform. He highlighted the challenges faced during the preparation phase, noting the significant time and effort invested in refining their project. Despite these challenges, the team’s dedication and hard work culminated in this remarkable achievement. The Kibo-RPC is an esteemed competition that provides students with the opportunity to engage in real-world space robotics challenges. By participating, teams gain hands-on experience in programming, problem-solving, and teamwork, all within the context of space exploration. For Bangladesh, Cortex Robotics’ success underscores the growing capabilities of its youth in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). As the team prepares for the global finals, their achievement serves as an inspiration to aspiring engineers and technologists in Bangladesh and beyond. It demonstrates the potential of young innovators to contribute meaningfully to global scientific endeavors and highlights the importance of fostering STEM education to drive future advancements. Cortex Robotics’ journey is a testament to the power of education, perseverance, and collaboration. Their success not only brings pride to their institutions but also positions Bangladesh as a competitive player in the international arena of space robotics.
