The Helmholtz-Alliance “ROBEX – Robotic Exploration of Extreme Environments” represents the joint effort of space and deep sea researchers to collectively develop new technologies for the exploration of difficult-to-reach areas such as planetary surfaces and the deep sea. Naturally, tests under these conditions are extremely complex. The SR institute utilizes synergies with automotive and aircraft research to simulate mobile platforms such as the “Lightweight Rover Unit” (LRU) designed at the RM institute for lunar applications. Detailed models of the suspension and wheel-ground contact make it possible to evaluate new mobility concepts for rovers.
For the maritime application, hydrodynamics calculations contribute significantly to the design of a new deep sea glider. Furthermore, the simulation models facilitate the testing of new navigation and control concepts under realistic conditions, with an interface that allows for transparent switching between the real and simulated systems.