BrickVista - M.O.P Rover

The core concept of the M.O.P was that it was able to be modified and tailored to meet specific mission and exploration requirements – whether functional, performance or scientifically orientated. In order to realize this, The M.O.P chassis design had to be simple enough to allow for wholesale modification as well as being robust enough to have a common mobility and mechanical drive system.

The Chassis configuration is derived from a simple 2 wheeled chassis with trailing caster. Most M.O.P chassis configurations have a centered ‘center of gravity’ (COG) so a leading caster was included for greater stability when turning. This chassis design allows for a 0º turning circle with minimal operational footprint.

Two wheeled chassis are one of the simplest forms of chassis design, Often overlooked they have a compact footprint and require very simple mobility
and control and systems.

The M.O.P chassis can be scaled to allow for variations in chassis dimension and configuration. This allows for quite specific performance requirements to be met while keeping common drive and mobility systems. Wheel base and track can be increased allowing for greater Payload volume and overall Rover load bearing capacity. Ride height and clearance can be varied to increase Rover stability and mobility. The M.O.P Chassis can be tailored to meet any mission objective!

The M.O.P chassis allows for variation in every chassis dimension. Wheel and caster Track ride and chassis height can all be varied to optimize payload volume, stability and mobility systems.

Although each Chassis configuration has different mobility and performance characteristics all share common fixing points and support structures which means many Rover systems can be used across all chassis variations. Design once, use many times

Within every M.O.P chassis there are three distinct zones. Each zone houses a specific Rover sub-system and can be scaled according to functional, performance, and mission parameters. Each Chassis also has common fixing points for internal and external sensors, and structures that aid in Mobility, Navigation, Data collection, or task related activities.

Each chassis has three zones which can be scaled to accommodate specific performance requirements

LEGWAY

The most famous 2 Wheeled LEGO Robot was made by Steve Hassenplug which he affectionately called Legway (named so after its real world counterpart the Segway). Steve says “this LEGO robot was built to stand on two wheels and balance, follow a black line, and/or spin in place. I managed to find the correct combination of hardware and software to allow the robot to balance. LegWay constantly attempts to adjust its balance point. I've been able to put it on a table, and tilt the table, and LegWay continues to maintain its balance.

Learn more about Legway here, and the Building Instructions here.

Background information on the original Segway can be found here.

BrickVista is a completely unofficial, fan created web site showcasing models created using official parts produced by the LEGO® company.

All trademarks, service marks, and copyrights are property of their respective owners. LEGO®, Technic, Mindstorms, Robotics Invention System, and RCX are trademarks of the LEGO® Group of companies, which does not sponsor, authorize or endorse this site. Visit the official LEGO® website at http://www.LEGO.com.

All photographic images of Rovers are supplied courtesy of NASA/JPL, which does not sponsor, authorize or endorse this site. Visit the official NASA website at http://www.nasa.gov.

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