RAT MKII

About:

RAT MKII is our second iteration in the RAT rover series. Built in 2024, it aimed to improve on the performance of its predecessor for the 2025 Australian Rover Challenge. It features a new integrated electrical power distribution system, all chassis-mounted payload modules and an improved arm design. The core body of the rover remains the same from RAT MKI

    • 6-wheel rocker-bogie suspension system

    • Updated chassis mounted payload configurations

    • Iterated robotic arm and excavator

    • Revamped space resources payload

    • Weight: 35kg base weight

    • Dimensions: 985mm x 1000mm x 510mm

    • Wheels: 3D printed (TPU) with a common airless tire design based on hexagons

    • Chasis Build: Aluminium frame

    • Suspension: Rocker-bogie system

    • Power: 2x 22.2V, 6-cell, 10Ah LiPO batteries

    • Motors and gearboxes:  BLDC motors with planetary gearboxes

    • Chassis and Arm Motor Controllers: Custom CAN-Bus Motor Drivers

    • Communication: 5.6Ghz radio

    • Element Sensing: 200x Magnification Microscope

    • Automonous: ZED 2i stereovision camera, Jetson Orin NX

Past Competition:

Australian Rover Challenge 2025

Overall: 11th / 24 Teams

CDR: 14th

SAR: 12th

Post-Landing: 10th

Excavation & Construction: 11th

Space Resources: 5th

  • 3rd Highest Scoring Australian Team

Mapping & Autonomous: 9th