Audi has now set its eyes on the moon. It has started working on it together with the Part-Time Scientists, a group of German engineers working within the Google Lunar XPRIZE competition, to transport an unmanned rover onto the moon.

Audi is supporting the Part-Time Scientists with its several fields of technology – from quattro all-wheel drive and lightweight construction to electric mobility and piloted driving.

Luca de Meo, Audi Board Member for sales and marketing, said in a statement that the concept of a privately financed mission to the moon is fascinating.

“And innovative ideas need supporters that promote them. We want to send a signal with our involvement with the Part-Time Scientists and also motivate other partners to contribute their know-how”, Luca de Meo said.

Luca de Meo unveiled the partnership yesterday at the international innovation forum Cannes Innovation Days.

Prof. Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg, Audi Board Member for Technical Development, said they are pleased to support the project with their know-how in lightweight technology, electronics and robotics.

The US$30 million Google Lunar XPRIZE is a competition which challenges and inspires engineers and entrepreneurs from across the world to develop low-cost methods of robotic space exploration.

And in order to win the competition, a privately funded team must successfully place a robot on the moon’s surface that explores at least 500 meters and transmits high-definition video and images back to Earth.

It has been said that Audi AG is incorporating its technology know-how into optimization of the rover. The research group’s lunar vehicle has already been recognized during the course of the competition by a jury of aerospace experts with two milestone prizes.