Mobile manipulation for the Mars exploration rover - a dexterous and robust instrument positioning system

Abstract

This article has described in detail the Mars exploration rover's instrument positioning system and the use of this subsystem to carryout in situ operations of the Martian surface and subsurface. All told, the instrument deployment device (IDD) has served as an exceptional robotic mechanism for performing robust and reliable in situ science. The ability to carry out high precision mobile manipulation functions provided by the rover and the IDD has been critical to gaining a fundamental understanding of the water processes at work at both the Spirit and Opportunity landing sites. As such, the MER's IPS has paved the way for the use of future robotic devices that advance NASA's capabilities in autonomous manipulation, sample acquisition, and in situ science investigations.