Novel concepts for a planetary surface exploration rover

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to address some of the needs of present and upcoming rover designs, and introduces novel concepts incorporated in a planetary surface exploration rover design that is currently under development.

Design/methodology/approach

The Multitasking Rover (MTR) is a highly re‐configurable system that aims to demonstrate functionality that will cover many of the current and future needs such as rough‐terrain mobility, modularity and upgradeability. lt comprises a surface mobility platform which is highly re‐configurable, which offers centre of mass re‐allocation and rough terrain stability, and also a set of science/tool packs – individual sub‐systems encapsulated in packs which the rover picks up, transports and deploys.

Findings

Early testing of the suspension system suggests exceptional performance characteristics.

Originality/value

Principles employed in the design of the MTR can be used in future rover systems to reduce associated mission costs and at the same time provide multiples the functionality.

Citation

Bouloubasis, A., McKee, G. and Tolson, P. (2007), "Novel concepts for a planetary surface exploration rover", Industrial Robot, Vol. 34 No. 2, pp. 116-121. https://doi.org/10.1108/01439910710727450