DEVELOPMENT OF A LOW-COST SEMI-AUTONOMOUS ROVER AS AN EDUCATIONAL PLATFORM FOR SPACE TECHNOLOGIES TRAINING

Castro F.; Contreras J.; Chavez R.; Palacios J. · Empowering the Next Generation of Space Explorers - Held at the Global Space Exploration Conference, GLEX 2025 (2025) · DOI: 10.52202/080566-0010

Resumen

In recent decades, the growing interest in space exploration has generated the need to train skilled professionals to address the complex technological challenges of future missions. In this context, this project presents the development of a low-cost semi-autonomous rover as an educational platform, oriented to allow students to acquire experience in key areas such as mechanical design, electronic design, telemetry and artificial vision, applicable in space technologies. The main contribution of this project lies in the creation of an accessible and didactic educational tool that facilitates the practical learning of advanced technologies in a space exploration context. The semi-autonomous rover is equipped with a rocker-bogie suspension system, which allows it to adapt to uneven terrain and overcome obstacles, maximizing its versatility in various terrain conditions. In addition, this vehicle possesses sensing and autonomy capabilities through advanced technologies, such as machine vision and IoT connectivity. Artificial vision allows the rover to identify and classify objects in its environment, facilitating its navigation and adaptability, while IoT connectivity, together with a telemetry system, enables remote interaction and real-time data synchronization with other systems and devices. Likewise, telemetry incorporates a variety of advanced sensors, including temperature measurement, atmospheric pressure, humidity, an IMU sensor (combining accelerometer and gyroscope), and gas detection, replicating the sensing system used on real space rovers. These capabilities allow real-time monitoring of environmental conditions and vehicle dynamics, providing students with hands-on experience in the design, development and integration of complex autonomous systems. In addition, they facilitate the application of cutting-edge technologies, fundamental to the context of space exploration. After implementation and testing, it is concluded that the rover successfully fulfills its role as an educational tool since this vehicle provides students with hands-on experience in the development of complex semi-autonomous systems and in the application of innovative technologies in the space domain. Through their interaction with advanced technologies such as machine vision, IoT and sensorization, students acquire essential skills for the creation and integration of technological solutions, which are applicable to space missions. In this way, the project contributes significantly to the training of future professionals in the field of space exploration. © GLEX 2025.All rights reserved.

Instituciones: Universidad Nacional de Ingeniería