Terra-Mechatronics Researches

Building a mobile system that can operate on soft, uneven surfaces like the moon

We are trying to build a mobile robot system that can drive over unexplored and uneven ground like is found on the surface of the moon. The lunar surface is covered by regolith, which is an ultrafine layer of fragile sand. Specifically, we are developing special wheels that can travel over fragile sand and climb over rocks and stones, as well as robots with special mechanisms. Tangential to this research, we are also developing an airless tire for rescue vehicles that operate in disaster areas and for mobile agricultural systems.

College of Systems Engineering and Science Department of Machinery and Control Systems / Graduate School of Engineering and Science（Master's Program） Systems Engineering and Science / Graduate School of Engineering and Science（Doctor's Program） Functional Control Systems Course
Faculty Name
IIZUKA, Kojiro
Keyword
Space robotics,Mobile mechanisms,Soft,uneven ground
Laboratory location
No.5 Building OMIYA Campus 4F 5473-1

STUDY FIELDS

  • Mechanical engineering
  • Space engineering
  • Electronic engineering
  • Sports and health science

FOR SOCIETY

Theoretical and experimental analyses of mobility on soft, uneven ground will help identify the characteristics of movements that can be applied in disaster areas, farms and snowy environments.

RESEARCH THEMES

  • Research on lunar and planetary surface exploration robots
  • Exploring the algorithms of movement between vehicles and uneven ground (terramechanics)
  • Development of airless tires for rescue vehicles operating in disaster areas

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