3D Print, Assemble, and Program Your Own Mars Rover

Europe’s Rosalind Franklin ExoMars Rover has a younger sibling – ExoMy. The blueprints and software for this full-size mini version Mars Explorer is available free of charge so anyone can 3D print, assemble, and program their own ExoMy.

The six-wheeled ExoMy rover was developed by ESA’s Planetary Robotics Laboratory, which specializes in developing locomotion platforms and navigation systems to support ESA’s planetary exploration missions.

“Anyone with a 3D printer can build their own ExoMy with an estimated budget of 500 euros or less,” explains Swiss trainee Miro Voellmy. “The source code is available on GitHub, along with step-by-step assembly instructions and tutorials.

“We focused on making the design as affordable and accessible as possible. It uses a Raspberry Pi computer and off-the-shelf electronic parts that are available online and at any hobby store. We hope that students will create their own ExoMy to familiarize themselves with robotics and learn more about the full-size ExoMars rover, which is slated to hit the market in 2022. ”

ExoMy. Photo credit: ESA

Enthusiasts around the world have already built their own ExoMy rovers. It takes about two weeks to 3D print PLA, a biodegradable material made from plant starch.

The 42cm tall rover reproduces the main features of its 2m big sister on a non-functional basis, including a power drill, solar panels on the rear wings, and a camera mast with a customizable smiley face, mouth and hat.

ExoMy and ExoMars Rover compared. Photo credit: ESA

“We wanted to make the design as accessible and entertaining as possible,” says German trainee Maximillian Ehrhardt. “ExoMy actually began as a one-off demonstrator at ESA’s open day at ESTEC here in the Netherlands in 2018. Visitors of all ages were able to drive through the laboratory’s ‘Mars Yard’, a test facility that mimics the Mars site. It was a huge hit that made us think about a version that people could build for themselves. ”

Anyone with a 3D printer can build their own ExoMy on an estimated budget of $ 500 or less, using electrical parts from a hobby store and a Raspberry Pi as an on-board computer. Photo credit: ESA

ExoMy also uses Rosalind Franklin’s ‘triple-bogie’ suspension design which allows him to traverse tall obstacles as high as his own bike and keep them stable on the ground.

Each wheel has its own motor and its profile has protrusions to aid traction on uneven ground. But flexible sleeves can also be printed out to slide over the wheels and allow smoother passage over flat surfaces.

Selection of hats and mouths for ExoMy. Photo credit: ESA

“It is controlled via a gamepad or a web browser on a mobile device,” adds the Belgian trainee Lorenzo Cervantes. “From what we’ve seen at previous Open Day events, kids can often ride ExoMy better than their parents.”

“ExoMy is more than a toy as it can serve as a low-cost research and prototyping platform for robot experimentation,” adds Miro.

“And this version of the rover isn’t a frozen design. People come back with ideas for improvement, such as a pan and tilt camera on the mast that they offer to help. For internal testing, we are also working on a mini version of the speed-optimized Sample Fetch Rover, which is planned as part of ESA’s contribution to the International Mars Sample Return endeavor. ”

You can find more information on creating your own ExoMy rover here.

Create your own ExoMy. Photo credit: ESA-L. Cervantes