M.A.R.S. Rover Robot

by 4tronix

The 4tronix M.A.R.S. Rover is loosely based on the Curiosity and Mars 2020 rovers from NASA/JPL. It uses the same rocker arm, bogey and differential arm mechanism.

  • Mobile
  • Autonomous
  • Robotic
  • System

You will need a Pi Zero or a micro:bit to go with this kit, they aren't included in the kit but we do stock both!

Note: Pi Zero versions shipped from 14th April 2021 include higher mounting point for Pi Zero so it clears the differential arm better, as well as a new Mast Head that accepts Raspberry Pi Cameras so you can easily mount a rortating camera on your M.A.R.S. Rover !!

Some stats on the 4tronix M.A.R.S. Rover

  • 6 Motors. 80 rpm 6V, N20 micro gear motors
  • 4 Servos. MG90S metal gear analog micro servos
  • 4 FireLeds
  • Ultrasonic distance sensor on steerable mast
  • Total number of special PCBs: 30
  • Number of different PCB designs: 11
  • Length: 200mm
  • Width: 185mm
  • Height without Mast and Microbit: 95mm
  • Height with Mast: 170mm

There is a Makecode extension that makes it easy to control the unit. A Python library module is available for the Raspberry Pi Zero.

NOTE: The M.A.R.S. Rover requires 4 good quality rechargeable batteries (not included)

See this blog entry for details of assembly and coding

You should allow 2 hours to build this if you are used to assembling kits of this nature. If it is your first assembly of something like this, then you may have to double the expected timeframe.

The main board is the only difference between the 2 models (apart from the different shape mast head).