Open mechanical design Mars rover (like) mobile robot

Apr 16, 2005 5 Replies

We are (a couple of computer, electronics and control engineers) as a amateur/hobbyists who want to build a Mars rover (or something similar) mobile robot for fun. Our main interest is not its mechanical design but its control, comms, and software. We do not have mechanical expertise in our group, but we have good relations with very talented machine shops who can build the mechanical parts for us if we can provide detailed mechanical design (CAD files/drawings).



Now the obvious question; Do you know any open (publicly available) mechanical design documents (CAD files) to build a Mars rover ?


I believe that the design is patented by JPL. See

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some more details of the mechanism.

Dave

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US Patent number 4,840,394. Google on "wiffle tree" and "suspension" together to see why it's invalid. These suspension arrangements were thoroughly investigated in the 1950's. If you wanna build one, go ahead. No-one at NASA's going to sue you - but watch out for Mattel!

documents

CAD files, good luck. You might have some trouble finding the easy solution, but try searching on "rocker bogie" ...

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Eg, not too much here, but it does mention specific parts used, etc ...

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... keep digging ...

- dan michaels

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How much is that going to cost? Or are the machine shop people interested in this as well, and want to donate their parts/skills or offer them at a substantially reduced rate? There are many robotic platforms available which probably cost less than having custom machining done, though I don't know of any that are very similar to the Mars rovers.

How close to the design do you want?

That site mentions Maxon motors. Here's something from the Maxon site:

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According to that page, each rover has 39 motors. Perhaps you should make a Sojourner, it only uses 11 motors. :)

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I also was very interested in this chassis, but did not dare to start due to high price and absence of good mechanical skills. Here is a link to Washington State University Robo-Magellan project

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started recently that is similar to Mars rover, but simplified I would go for.

Ek

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