RAT MKI

(2024)

Key Features:

  • 6-wheel rocker-bogie suspension system

  • Interchangeable rover payload configurations

  • Data-learning algorithm for autonomy

  • Custom robotic arm and excavator for regolith extractions

About:

RAT MKI is our first design in the RAT rover series. Built in 2023, it faced other rovers competing in the 2024 Australian Rover Challenge. It features a completely overhauled chassis, wheels, and suspension systems, while retaining the main arm and several internal components from our previous rover.

 

 

Past Competition:

Australian Rover Challenge 2024 – Overall: 7/14

CDR: 8th
SAR: 8th
Post-Landing: 8th
Excavation & Construction: 5th
Space Resources: 4th
Mapping & Autonomous: 7th

Specifications:

  • Weight: 36kg 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

  • Vision: ZED 2i stereovision camera

  • Sensors: Sensecap S-Temp&VWC&EC-02, Honeywell SS494B

  • Sensing system: Water and ilmenite sensors

  • Autonomous: Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) system, stereovision camera, Jetson Orin NX