# Planetary Exploration Rover: Agile Design & System Integration

Project Overview

This repository showcases the design and development of a Planetary Exploration Rover, meticulously modeled in Autodesk Fusion 360. Developed by a multidisciplinary team of Aerospace and Mechatronics Engineering students, this project demonstrates advanced CAD capabilities, complex mechanical system integration, and a thoughtful approach to designing for challenging extraterrestrial environments.

Our primary goal was to create a robust and agile rover capable of navigating uneven planetary terrains while accommodating essential scientific payloads and internal electronics.

Key Features & Innovations

This rover design incorporates several critical engineering solutions:

1. Advanced Rocker-Bogie Suspension System:

   • A passively articulating 6-wheeled suspension system, inspired by NASA's Mars rovers.
   • Designed for exceptional stability and obstacle negotiation (up to twice the wheel diameter).
   • Includes a **differential ** mechanism integrated between the rocker and the chassis for enhanced stability and dampening.

2. Integrated Scientific Payload (Robotic Arm):

   • A multi-degree-of-freedom robotic arm designed for sample collection, in-situ analysis, or manipulation tasks.
   • Modeled with precise joints to demonstrate realistic articulation.

3. Modular & Collaborative Design:

   • Leveraged Fusion 360's component-based architecture for modular design, enabling parallel work and efficient assembly.
   • Utilized Fusion 360's cloud collaboration features for seamless team coordination and version control.

Visual Showcase

Below are some renders of the rover, highlighting its key features and overall design.

Project Files Included

This repository contains the following key files:

• Planetary_Rover_Project.f3d: The complete Autodesk Fusion 360 archive file. This is the primary CAD model, containing all components, assemblies, sketches, and design history.

How to View the Project

To fully explore this project:

1. Download Fusion 360: If you don't have it, you can get a free student license from the Autodesk website.
2. Download the .f3d file: Download the Planetary_Rover_Project.f3d file from this repository.
3. Open in Fusion 360: In Fusion 360, go to File > Upload and select the downloaded .f3d file. This will import the entire project into your Fusion 360 Data Panel, allowing you to inspect the design, timeline, joints, and even create your own renders or simulations.

Team

This project was a collaborative effort by:

• [Parikshit Chaudhari] - [Lead Designer, Suspension & Assembly]
• [Suryaprabha KM] - [Wheel design and assembly]
• [Md. Ashfaq] - [Robotic Arm Design and assembly]

All students of Lovely Professional University, B.Tech Aerospace/Mechatronics Engineering.

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