Planetary Exploration
Planetary exploration research focuses on developing autonomous robotic systems capable of traversing challenging extraterrestrial environments and conducting scientific investigations. Current efforts concentrate on improving robot locomotion (e.g., legged robots, active suspension systems), enhancing autonomous navigation using techniques like deep reinforcement learning and federated multi-agent mapping, and refining sample collection and analysis methods through computer vision and machine learning. These advancements are crucial for expanding the scope and efficiency of planetary missions, enabling more ambitious scientific goals and potentially paving the way for future human exploration.
Papers
ReachBot Field Tests in a Mojave Desert Lava Tube as a Martian Analog
Tony G. Chen, Julia Di, Stephanie Newdick, Mathieu Lapotre, Marco Pavone, Mark R. Cutkosky
Optimal Whole Body Trajectory Planning for Mobile Manipulators in Planetary Exploration and Construction
Federica Storiale, Enrico Ferrentino, Federico Salvioli, Konstantinos Kapellos, Pasquale Chiacchio