Mars Rover "Scout" during test run on the DLR test field
Overcoming rough terrain is still a challenging task for mobile robots. In terrestrial applications, the focus is usually on search & rescue scenarios with highly unstructured ground or even collapsed buildings. The solution for such scenarios is usually a leg-driven system. However, these very agile systems have the disadvantage of high mechatronic complexity and require high computing power. Especially in planetary exploration, these systems are therefore not realisable in current and near-future missions due to their disadvantages. For this reason, the DLR "Scout" rover uses a novel, flexible spoked wheel (publication on the concept: https://www.db-thueringen.de/receive/...) and back elements to overcome obstacles. It has only one fully rotational drive per wheel. Together with the compliant elements, this enables energy-efficient, dynamic and robust locomotion over the toughest terrain.
The aim of the "Scout" rover is to explore previously inaccessible areas such as crater walls and caves on foreign planets. On Earth, the robust system can be used, for example, to support the rescue of buried victims or in agricultural robotics.
More information on planetary exploration and the "Scout" rover at: www.dlr.de/sr
Mars Rover "Scout" during test run on the DLR test field
Mars Rover "Scout" during test run on the DLR test field
Overcoming rough terrain is still a challenging task for mobile robots. In terrestrial applications, the focus is usually on search & rescue scenarios with highly unstructured ground or even collapsed buildings. The solution for such scenarios is usually a leg-driven system. However, these very agile systems have the disadvantage of high mechatronic complexity and require high computing power. Especially in planetary exploration, these systems are therefore not realisable in current and near-future missions due to their disadvantages. For this reason, the DLR "Scout" rover uses a novel, flexible spoked wheel (publication on the concept: https://www.db-thueringen.de/receive/...) and back elements to overcome obstacles. It has only one fully rotational drive per wheel. Together with the compliant elements, this enables energy-efficient, dynamic and robust locomotion over the toughest terrain.
The aim of the "Scout" rover is to explore previously inaccessible areas such as crater walls and caves on foreign planets. On Earth, the robust system can be used, for example, to support the rescue of buried victims or in agricultural robotics.
More information on planetary exploration and the "Scout" rover at: www.dlr.de/sr
Credit: DLR (CC BY-NC-ND 3.0)