Scott Ferguson
North Carolina State University
NIAC 2011 Enabling All-Access Mobility for Planetary Exploration Vehicles Final Report
Similar to the concept seen in recent ‘Transformers’ movies, this work explores how reconfigurability can enable mobility across diverse, uncertain terrains. Beyond sensing and controls challenges, there has been little work done exploring the application of transformative reconfigurations that deviate from traditional wheeled-rover design. Investigation of real-time repeatable, reversible changes in physical configuration will yield solutions capable of significant changes to system form. Outcomes from this work will include identifying technologies that facilitate reconfigurability, assessing their strengths and limitations, and developing proof-of-concept prototypes.
