NASA JPL Open Source Rover — Build Outline (+ overview video)
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NASA JPL Open Source Rover — Build Outline A scaled-down version of the 6-wheel rover design JPL uses to explore Mars, built from consumer off-the-shelf parts as an educational + research platform for terrain navigation. SPECS: ~$1,600 cost; ~1.6 m/s top speed; 10 motors; aluminum + GoBilda components; Raspberry Pi brain (control + customization). MARS-INSPIRED MECHANICS: Rocker-Bogie suspension (keeps all six wheels on the ground while climbing obstacles); differential pivot (redistributes weight mechanically over uneven terrain); six-wheel Ackerman steering (per-wheel direction + motor speed). BUILD PHASES (5): (1) Parts ordering from the parts lists/vendors; (2) Wiring — cables from the PCB to motors/assemblies; (3) Electronics assembly — solder the PCB, integrate connections; (4) Mechanical construction — body, rocker-bogies, motor assemblies; (5) Software configuration — install OS + rover code on the Raspberry Pi. EFFORT: no less than 100 person-hours; needs fabrication, soldering, and basic Linux/Python. DOCS: https://open-source-rover.readthedocs.io | GitHub: https://github.com/nasa-jpl/open-source-rover OVERVIEW VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=exHqc_Vuifw (auto-captions were unavailable, so the written build outline above is the primary text; the video is linked for reference).