Nomad - Mars rover

The KoNaR Student Science Club, operating within the Faculty of Electronics, Photonics and Microsystems at Wrocław Uni ver s ity of Science and Technology, proudly presents its latest project - the Nomad Mars rover. This innovative initiative responds to the challenges of modern robotics and the exploration of extreme environments, combining technological advancement with the education of future engineers. Our project i s a modular, autonomous rover capable of traversing difficult terrain and carrying out scientific tasks such as soil sampling and environment mapping. Thanks to its advanced computing unit with an AI accelerator and integration with the ROS2 system, Nomad can make real - time decisions and dynamically adapt to changing conditions. Our interdisciplinary team is composed of students from various fields, working together to design, build, and test the rover, developing both technical knowledge and soft skills. The project is being implemented in stages : from concept and prototyping to testing and participation in international robotics competitions such as ERC and URC. Nomad also serves as a research and development platform with commercial and scientific potential. 

Mechanics:

6 DoF Manipulator with Interchangeable Tools. The arm, measuring 1.5 meters in length and weighing 17 kg, is made from aluminum and ABS. Thanks to the use of cycloidal and planetary gearboxes, the manipulator can lift objects weighing over 8 kg even at maximum reach. The automatic end-effector exchange module allows for quick adaptation of tools to the current tasks.

The manipulator uses a custom-designed gearbox with a 100:1 gear ratio, ensuring high precision and durability thanks to the use of bearings and specialized lubrication. 

The rover is equipped with four independent drive modules featuring BLDC motors and planetary gearboxes , providing excellent maneuverability in rough terrain. The wheels are made from durable composite materials us ing 3D printing technology, allowing for quick replacement of damaged parts.

Electronics:

MODUCARD is an innovative electronic platform developed by the KoNaR Student Science Club that redefines the capabilities of mobile robots . Its modular design provides flexibility and reliability, enabling rapid adaptation of the system to various tasks and operating environments.

In designing MODUCARD, we ensured compliance with EN 62680 and IEC 60297-3 standards, making the system ready for use in industrial and research environments . Internal tests confirm its stability, safety, and reliability.                   

MODUCARD support s integration with technologies such as: RTK (Real -Time Kinematic) for precise positioning, 360° camera for full environmental perception, LiDAR for accurate mapping and obstacle avoidance.

The system supports integration of up to six single-board computers (SBCs ), enabling advanced data processing and artificial intelligence applications directly on the robot. This allows for tasks such as object recognition, environmental analysis, and real - time decision making.

As part of the development of our Mars rover “Nomad,” we rely heavily on precision machining technologies to produce lightweight, durable, and perfectly fitting mechanical components. Your CNC manufacturing services could play a crucial role in enhancing the quality and reliability of our rover by enabling us to create complex, high-accuracy parts that are difficult to achieve using conventional methods.

With PCBWay’s advanced CNC capabilities, we could rapidly produce essential components such as load-resistant suspension parts, precision mounts for electronic modules, lightweight structural frames, and intricate elements for the manipulator and drivetrain. The combination of high machining precision and fast turnaround times would significantly accelerate our prototyping process, helping us meet tight competition deadlines without compromising on quality.