Team Ryu Wins First Place at ISU Robotics Competition

Team Ryu, a group of international students from diverse backgrounds, emerged victorious at the International Space University’s space-themed robotics competition held at Rice University. The team’s stellar performance, scoring more than double of its competitors, secured them first place in the fierce competition.

The event, which was part of ISU’s Space Studies Program, featured six teams tasked with programming mini-space rovers using Lego Mindstorms EV3 kits. The teams had to navigate obstacles and collect toy gemstones, earning points over three intense seven-minute rounds. Mentored by Professor Kazuya Yoshida of Tohoku University in Japan, the participants showcased their innovation and technical skills in the challenging competition.

Team Ryu, comprised of members from Australia, Poland, Italy, France, and Japan, showcased exceptional teamwork and expertise in robotics. Their victory reflects the global nature of the competition, with 155 space industry professionals from over 35 countries participating in the SSP program.

The annual robotics competition, established in 1998, plays a crucial role in educating SSP members about the fundamentals of robotics and their applications in space exploration. Participants like Spain’s Ismael Tito Freire and Laura Gonzalez Llamazares highlighted the intense yet rewarding nature of the program.

Rice University’s hosting of the SSP, for the second time since 1997, provided a unique learning experience for attendees. The program offers a comprehensive curriculum covering both technical and nontechnical aspects of the space sector in an international and interdisciplinary environment.

The International Space University, founded in 1987 and based in Strasbourg, France, remains a leading institution in space education. With hubs in the U.S. and the Asia-Pacific region, ISU continues to nurture the next generation of space professionals through partnerships with industry experts and a global alumni network that includes astronauts and industry leaders.