Our Space Robot is a Q14 robot from Advanced Robotics Concepts. With active 4 wheel steering and drive, a passive dynamic suspension system and a range of sensors, the Q14 is well equipped to handle a range of environments and provides us with a great platform to test our algorithms.
The chassis is capable of Ackermann, Omni (crabbing) and skid steer modes, as well as on the spot turning. The low power requirements allow for long-range experiments and investigations into energy usage. The accompanying 5 degrees of freedom arm and pan-tilt head unit allows us to interact with our environment, going beyond simply mapping and observing.
The Q14 will join with our other robots in allowing us to push our research forward. The main focus of the Space Robot is on teach and repeat, energy usage and environment interaction.
ORI is collaborating with thirteen other institutions under the auspices of The UK Space Agency and in partnership with the Canadian Space Agency in a major Mars Exploration Analogue mission taking place over several weeks [...]