The public is invited to see space exploration technology in action at the University of Waikato Tauranga campus on Thursday, October 17, where a showcase of a replica of the Nasa Mars exploration rover “Opportunity” is being held.

The event will be presented by lecturers from the university’s School of Computing and Mathematical Sciences, who will provide insights on the future of robotics and planetary exploration.

The showcase is part of a national Nasa roadshow to encourage student interest in space-related careers.

The replica Opportunity is modelled on a rover involved in one of Nasa’s most successful and enduring interplanetary missions. Opportunity exceeded expectations and operated for almost 15 years exploring the hostile environment of Mars, setting several records and making key discoveries.

Opportunity searched for ancient water on Mars and found evidence the planet once had a period when it was wet enough, for long enough, that it could have sustained microbial life. The rover was operated remotely by Nasa scientists on Earth using VR technology.

The university is looking forward to hosting the display of advanced robotics engineering. Waikato has an international reputation for developing cutting-edge AI research and offers world-class software research at the School of Computing and Mathematical Sciences.

School lecturer Dr Jessica Turner said having this kind of technology on show for the Tauranga community will allow the next generation of learners to “think bigger than what’s in their own backyard” when it comes to where studies in computer science and engineering can lead.

“So much work that software engineers do is intangible, but having Opportunity on display will show technical work in action in a creative, fun and awe-inspiring way. It highlights the power that collaboration across disciplines like robotics, computing, software and mechatronics engineering can lead to – it’s not just converting copy to code.”

Turner said the university takes an interdisciplinary approach to its course development and Opportunity is a great example of the real-world impact this format can have.

The University of Waikato's Dr Jessica Turner.

“The relationship between the robot and its creators is another interesting aspect.

“We’re conducting research at Waikato that explores the human aspect of robots, asking questions [about] how people perceive robots and how they expect to use them. We’re learning that perceptions are altered by humanising technology, such as giving robots names – exactly like we see with Opportunity, who was nicknamed ‘Oppy’ by her creators and operators.”

When it comes to appealing to the younger generation, the University’s Tauranga campus hosts several student outreach programmes each year, using creative techniques to help students understand unique hardware.

“It’s about teaching young people core concepts in fun ways. This year, we’ve been working with interactive Lego Super Mario figurines and showing them computing isn’t just working with laptops or cellphones.”

Following the rover demonstration, a documentary on the real-life Mars mission of Opportunity, titled Good Night Oppy, will be played in the university’s lecture theatre.

An artist's concept portrays a Nasa exploration rover on the surface of Mars. Photo / Nasa

Nasa Mars exploration rover display and documentary screening

Date: Thursday, October 17.

Time: 12pm, Mars rover display; 3.30pm, screening of documentary Good Night Oppy.

Location: Level 2, University of Waikato, Tauranga campus, 101 Durham Street.

RSVP: Guests are encouraged to register their attendance for the documentary through Eventbrite.