The mobility system of the multi-tasking rover (MTR)

Bouloubasis, A.K. and McKee, G.T. (2007) The mobility system of the multi-tasking rover (MTR). In: IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation, Rome, Italy. doi: 10.1109/ROBOT.2007.364237

Abstract/Summary

Current and planned robotic rovers for space exploration are focused on science and correspondingly carry a science payload. Future missions will need robotic rovers that can demonstrate a wider range of functionality. This paper proposes an approach to offering this greater functionality by employing science and/or tool packs aboard a highly mobile robotic chassis. The packs are interchangeable and each contains different instruments or tools. The appropriate selection of science and/or tool packs enables the robot to perform a great variety of tasks either alone or in cooperation with other robots. The multi-tasking rover (MTR), thus conceived, provides a novel method for high return on investment. This paper describes the mobility system of the MTR and reports on initial experimental evaluation of the robotic chassis.