Design and Implementation of the Next Generation Mars Rover

Abstract

In this paper, we investigate a fully operational mobile platform rover “Mars Rover UIU” which can perform as human assistant in traversing and analyzing the surface of planet Mars and complete the assigned scientific analysis and Testing. The rover is designed with modified rocker-bogie, SMPS technology-based power system, a robotic Arm with 5 degrees of freedom and is controlled using Microsoft Xbox 360 controller. On June 2017 in the 11th annual University Rover Challenge organized by The Mars Society at Utah, USA, the team successfully placed 36th position out of 82 registered teams from 13 countries. “Mars Rover UIU” can perform various tasks such as Scientific Analysis, Extreme Retrieval and Delivery, Equipment Servicing and Autonomous traversal of a variety of terrains (sandy, rocky, vertical drops, steep slopes). It can examine existence of microbial life by studying geological context such as evidence of water flow, present minerals and soil structure. It can assist astronauts by retrieving and delivering objects to destinations marked by GPS coordinates and service equipment by connecting carabineers, flipping switches, pushing buttons, pouring fuel, screwing etc. This paper represents a synopsis of the mechanism design, software architecture and technologies implemented in “Mars Rover UIU” along with its potentiality.