The theme for this session is: "Planetary and Lunar Robotics: Challenges and Solutions". Several planetary and lunar landing missions are either in development or being planned for the future. With the success of the NASA Mars Exploration Rovers, this is an exciting and challenging time for Europe as it embarks upon its own plans and aspirations for planetary and lunar exploration.

A planetary or lunar robot can be regarded as an integral part of the 'scientific apparatus', both as an instrument in its own right (e.g. wheel motion and soil mechanics), and as a deployment device for instruments and surface/sub-surface sample acquisition. To fulfil this key role will require many robotics challenges to be addressed if future missions are to be realised. Such challenges include, for example, autonomous localisation and navigation; real-time characterisation of obstacles; autonomous monitoring and responding to system health and safety; robustness and the ability to function in the presence of faults or anomalous unexpected conditions; entire robot system design tools, and a shift from a human directing the minute-to-minute mission activities to the robot performing this directing autonomously.

The relationship between planetary and lunar robotics and planetary and lunar science can be regarded as being 'mutualistic', whereby both disciplines can derive benefit from their interaction. Whilst the science pushes the robotics 'envelope', the development of new robotic technology and methods can also provide totally new possibilities for science. Legged robots, aerobots (flying robots) and submersible robots, have the potential to take the science where current rovers cannot, and advances in sub-surface robotics means that science samples need not be constrained to the planetary or lunar surface.

This session will address issues such as the future planetary and lunar robotics challenges, and the potential for new planetary and lunar science. Papers and posters are solicited which present current research into these challenges and new planetary and lunar science opportunities. Papers will be welcome in the following areas: novel sensors and perception; environment modelling, localisation and navigation; autonomous control architectures; autonomous sample acquisition; novel locomotion methods including aerobots, submersible and sub-surface robots; dexterous manipulators; novel robot enabled science instruments and new planetary science opportunities. In addition, generic talks discussing issues such as biologically inspired robots, multiple co-operating robots, design principles, miniaturisation, component selection and calibration are most welcome.