Robot-terrain interactions for space robots

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This research program studies space robots, and how they interact with terrain: through driving, gripping, sampling, and digging. As robotic space exploration targets more and more extreme terrains on the Moon, Mars, and asteroids, an accurate understanding of how robots can interact with these terrains improves chances of success. The entrapment of the Mars Exploration Rover Spirit in soft soil and the tears and punctures in the Mars Science Laboratory Curiosity rover’s wheels demonstrate some of the current challenges of roving on Mars that this research will address. A deeper understanding of robot-terrain interactions would produce better-informed risk analysis for rovers. In addition to addressing current challenges, this research also opens new opportunities for space exploration. Advanced rovers able to drive on steeper sandy slopes, for example, open exploration to a significant number of new craters and mountains. Efficient planning of robot routes can get more out of power-starved space missions. These areas of research will help maintain Canada’s global leadership in space robotics, which provides the economy with a supply of high-tech jobs and inspires the next generation of Canadians to pursue science and engineering. Another applicable domain for this research is off-road mobility and autonomy of defence vehicles, an application that enhances Canada’s security.