Rovers
SKI-I to SKI-III and New rover “SKI-IV”
INTRODUCTION
A Rover (or planetary rover) is a planetary surface exploration device designed to move across the solid surface on a planet or other planetary-mass celestial bodies. They are essential tools in space exploration and can also be used on the earth.
AIM and IDEA
My central aim to develop the Rover was to learn and further my understanding of robotics and propagate the importance of the Rover and its purpose.
My Previous project was the Bottle Rocket Launcher which is a rocket launcher made of PVC pipe that shoots Parachute water bottle rockets when filled with water and pressured using an air pump. From this project, my idea of making a rover came into existence.
At present, I have made three versions of the Rover; SKI-I, SKI-II, SKI-III (current version). The fourth version, SKI-IV is currently in development.
SKI-I and SKI-II
I started with this project in September 2019. The very first model SKI-I had a rocker-bogie frame made of PVC pipe and some brackets. But it had drawbacks like a weak body, weak motors, disorganized wiring and small wheel size. I worked on these drawbacks and developed SKI-II had a steadier and stronger frame when compared to the previous version. It was controlled with help of Arduino and Bluetooth. It also had a larger wheel with better gripping. However, on changing the motors, the frame was not able to handle the generated power & the frame was also too small. Thus, it was not possible to add other electronics for modification.
SKI-III
SKI-III is an Arduino based Rover that has a robotic arm, camera, sensors and works on a rocker-bogie system. The whole rover weighs in at: 12.740kg and frame has been designed using 3D CAD software and laser cut on a 10mm acrylic sheet.
SKI-III can move through difficult terrain and climb obstacles with the help of the rocker-bogie system. It comprises a temperature sensor and an obstacle sensor which identifies the distance of the obstacle in sync with an ultrasonic sensor. Further, the 4-DOF Robotic Arm can pick up lightweight objects and possesses a high-tech camera that records and transfers video footage to a mobile phone via Wi-Fi. SKI-III is primarily controlled through a mobile phone via Bluetooth.
SKI-IV
Currently, I am working on SKI-IV which will have retractable solar wings which contain solar panels to charge up its batteries, a few more sensors for measuring gas concentration in the atmosphere, a mini FPV drone, Larger and compressing wheel, improved controlling system and upgraded components. SKI-IV will be controlled through radio frequency which has a higher range when compared to Bluetooth. SKI-IV will be a rover that will be usable as an exploration device on difficult terrain.
