Design of the Manipulator Control Unit for Modernity Mars Rover

Abstract

In this paper the design process of the manipulator control unit for Modernity II rover is presented. The rover was used in University Rover Challenge 2018 organized by Mars Society in Utah, USA and finished the challenge in the first place. The design of the present version of the manipulator (V5) required initial project, prototype design, experimental tests, mechanical and electronical improvements. The paper covers the requirements of the manipulator design and the procedures of selection of the elements for the control unit.