Chen, DevinSonalkar, Chaitanya ShekharKikuta, RikuPeenze, Andries JacobusSwamy, Varsha S.Salmon, J. EthanJelinek, BohumirMason, George L.Els, Pieter SchalkSandu, Corina2026-02-132026-04Chen, D., Sonalkar, C.S., Kikuta, R. et al. 2026, 'Innovating mobility: a student competition in wheel and track design', Journal of Terramechanics, vol. 122, art. 101117, pp. 1-5, doi : 10.1016/j.jterra.2025.101117.0022-4898 (print)1879-1204 (online)10.1016/j.jterra.2025.101117http://hdl.handle.net/2263/108208In 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.en© 2025 ISTVS. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights are reserved, including those for text and data mining, AI training, and similar technologies. Notice : this is the author’s version of a work that was accepted for publication in Journal of Terramechanics. Changes resulting from the publishing process, such as peer review, editing, corrections, structural formatting, and other quality control mechanisms may not be reflected in this document. A definitive version was subsequently published in Journal of Terramechanics, vol. 122, art. 101117, pp. 1-5, 2026, doi : 10.1016/j.jterra.2025.101117.Unmanned ground vehicle (UGV)TerramechanicsOff-road mobilityRapid prototypingISTVS student competitionsExperiential learningHands-on learningInternational Society for Terrain Vehicle Systems (ISTVS)Postprint Article