Lightweight and resistant polymer bearings in Mars robots

Problem

• What was needed: iglidur plastic plain bearings
• Requirements: URC competitions take place in the desert with a high dust content, very low humidity and temperatures of up to 60 degrees on the earth's surface. In addition to these requirements, the bearings also had to be particularly lightweight.
• Industry: aerospace
• Success for the customer: Very good material properties and a low weight are the advantages of the iglidur bearings. They are reliable and resistant to the challenging environmental conditions of the desert.

Problem

This Mars robot was built for the "Magma2 University Rover Challenge 2011" competition. The aim of the project was to create a system consisting of a mobile robot (rover) with interchangeable tools that can best perform the tasks specified in the competition rules. The Magma2 Mars Rover mobile robot is equipped with an electric drive and moves on 6 wheels. The Cartesian manipulator configuration weighs 38kg and only 27.5kg with the articulated manipulator. It is used to observe the surroundings with a camera navigation periscope and a flying scout hexacopter (with 6 propellers). URC competitions take place in the desert with a high dust content, very low humidity and temperatures of up to 60 degrees on the earth's surface. These conditions hinder the use of conventional bearings. In addition, the requirements of the competition limit the weight of the entire structure to 50kg.

Solution

In view of the challenges posed by the regulations and environmental conditions for the rover and its individual components, the rover team's designers were forced to look for more efficient alternatives. The decision was finally made to use iglidur polymer plain bearings. The robot is mainly made of plastic, e.g. of polycarbonate. Very good material properties whilst being lightweight were the decisive advantages that led to the use of the iglidur bearings. The bearings are reliable and resistant to the challenging environmental conditions in the desert. In addition, iglidur plastic bearings are cost-effective, maintenance and lubrication-free and can be used for a wide variety of applications. They are available either from the extensive range of standard parts from stock or as custom-made components.