Innovating Mobility: A Student Competition in Wheel and Track Design

Chen, D., Sonalkar, C. S., Kikuta, R., Peenze, A., Swamy, V. S., Salmon, J. E., Jelinek, B., Mason, G. L., Els, P. S., & Sandu, C. (2025). Innovating Mobility: A Student Competition in Wheel and Track Design. Journal of Terramechanics. ISTVS. 122, 101117. DOI:10.1016/j.jterra.2025.101117.

Abstract

In this paper, we propose an ISTVS Wheel/Track Design Student Competition to engage students in terramechanics through hands-on experience in off-road mobility design and testing. The competition will challenge student teams to design and fabricate a wheel or track system for a small unmanned ground vehicle (UGV), evaluated through tractive performance and mobility tests on selected soil types. By emphasizing low-cost, practical methods, the initiative ensures accessibility for students from diverse backgrounds. Teams can use free CAD software, 3D printing, or other rapid prototyping techniques to minimize expenses. The competition will feature two main components: a laboratory-style single-wheel test rig to assess tractive performance, and a small UGV platform for field-based mobility tests. Performance metrics may include drawbar pull, sinkage, slip, traction, and slope climbing, following ISTVS standards (He et al., 2020). Each competition will include design presentations and structured scoring criteria evaluating both design quality and performance. A standardized test matrix will assess structural integrity and functional performance. This initiative provides experiential learning opportunities, encourages innovation, and strengthens student engagement with ISTVS—cultivating the next generation of terramechanics engineers.