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Information - MT3 Planetary Robotics
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Event Information |
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The theme for this session is: "Future Planetary Robotics for Future Planetary Science". Several planetary landing missions are either in development or being planned for the future. With the success of the NASA Mars Exploration Rovers, this is an exciting and challenging time for Europe as it embarks upon its own plans and aspirations for planetary exploration.
The planetary robot can be regarded as an integral part of the 'planetary science apparatus', both as an instrument in its own right (e.g. wheel motion and soil mechanics), and as a deployment device for instruments and surface/sub-surface sample acquisition. To fulfil this key role will require many planetary robotics challenges to be addressed if future missions are to be realised. Such challenges include, for example, autonomous localisation and navigation; real-time characterisation of obstacles; autonomous monitoring and responding to system health and safety; robustness and the ability to function in the presence of faults or anomalous unexpected conditions; entire robot system design tools, and a shift from a human directing the minute-to-minute mission activities to the planetary robot performing this directing autonomously.
The relationship between planetary robotics and planetary science can be regarded as being 'mutualistic', whereby both disciplines can derive benefit from their interaction. Whilst planetary science pushes the robotics 'envelope', the development of new robotic technology and methods can also provide totally new possibilities for planetary science. Legged robots, aerobots (flying robots) and submersible robots, have the potential to take the planetary science where current rovers cannot, and advances in sub-surface robotics means that science samples need not be constrained to a planet's surface.
This session will address issues such as the future planetary robotics challenges, and the potential for new planetary science. Papers and posters are solicited which present current research into these challenges and new planetary science opportunities. Papers will be welcome in the following areas: novel sensors and perception; environment modelling, localisation and navigation; autonomous control architectures; autonomous sample acquisition; novel locomotion methods including aerobots, submersible and sub-surface robots; novel robot enabled science instruments and new planetary science opportunities. In addition, generic talks discussing issues such as biomimetics, design principles, miniaturisation, component selection and calibration are most welcome.
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Preliminary List of Solicited Speakers |
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 Back to Session Programme
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