Simple Autonomous Mars Walker

Stanley J. Larimer; Thomas R. Lisec; Andrew J. Spiessbach

doi:10.1117/12.949088

10 March 1989 Simple Autonomous Mars Walker

Stanley J. Larimer, Thomas R. Lisec, Andrew J. Spiessbach

Proceedings Volume 1007, Mobile Robots III; (1989) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.949088
Event: 1988 Cambridge Symposium on Advances in Intelligent Robotics Systems, 1988, Boston, MA, United States

Abstract

Under a contract with NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Martin Marietta has developed several alternative rover concepts for unmanned exploration of the planet Mars. One of those concepts, the "Walking Beam", is the subject of this paper. This concept was developed with the goal of achieving many of the capabilities of more sophisticated articulated-leg walkers with a much simpler, more robust, less computationally demanding and more power efficient design. It consists of two large-base tripods nested one within the other which alternately translate with respect to each other along a 5 meter beam to propel the vehicle. The semi-autonomous navigation system relies on terrain geometry sensors and tacticle feedback from each foot to autonomously select a path which avoids hazards along a route designated from earth. Both mobility and navigation features of this concept are discussed including a top-level description of the vehicle's physical characteristics, deployment strategy, mobility elements, sensor suite, theory of operation, navigation and control processes, and estimated performance.

Citation Download Citation

Stanley J. Larimer, Thomas R. Lisec, and Andrew J. Spiessbach "Simple Autonomous Mars Walker", Proc. SPIE 1007, Mobile Robots III, (10 March 1989); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.949088

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