LRU – Lightweight Rover Unit

This paper presents the novel Lightweight Rover Unit (LRU) developed at DLR-RMC Robotic and Mechatronic Center. The LRU rover is a terrestrial prototype based on the experiences gained with the mobile payload element (MPE) rover which has been originally developed for the ESA lunar lander mission. The small MPE lunar rover was foreseen for collecting and fetching samples on the lunar surface. This paper describes the development of the small and lightweight LRU rover prototype with respect to kinematic aspects, the electronic perspective and the control point of view. The LRU is equipped with a highly sophisticated autonomous navigation system, which is also briefly described in this paper. The LRU paves the way towards a small space qualified exploration rover. The technology readiness level (TRL) of its incorporated substantial robotic modules has been increased and the components and technologies developed for the LRU can be reused for future developments.