Bio-Inspired Fin Rover On Southern Terrain
BIFROST aims to travel to locations on the south pole of the moon where no humans or rovers have been to before. It’s unique undulating fin locomotion allows it to use the porous regolith to its advantage, unlike how traditionally wheeled rovers might get stuck. BIFROST integrates a mobility solution with a task capability of collecting regolith samples, which are imperative for scientists to understand the composition of lunar regolith.
Undulating fins convey the lunar regolith to propel itself in its path. Traditional wheels often get stuck in the porous soil on the lunar South Pole.
Using a fixed sized box filled with sand, the team tested linear motion of the fin and calculated speed.
The unique value proposition for this rover is not only the motion, but also the fact that it will be able to collect regolith data gain a better understanding our our moon.
The final product will be able to mount a Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) system for non-destructive environmental mapping.