This #MagPiMonday, we’re checking out one of the best robot kits around. It lets you explore terrain just like a NASA Mars rover, and even uses a similar suspension system.

Not only does this robot (4tronix £126) look remarkably similar to the real Mars Curiosity rover, it uses the same type of rocker-bogie suspension system developed by NASA. This allows the six wheels to move up and down semi-independently so they all maintain contact with the ground while the rover’s body stays level. It’s amazing to watch in action and far superior to fixed-wheel buggies in handling difficult terrain. It can even clamber over fairly large rocks.

The kit does take a little while to assemble, but the result is a quality build with metal PCB panels, six N20 micro gear motors, and chunky wheels. The finishing touch is a mast with an ultrasonic distance sensor to the top – it’s mounted on a servo so you can rotate it. The four corner wheels have steering servos too, enabling quicker turning. An optional keypad can be added on the rear for hands-on route programming.

Real Mars Rover: Curiosity

The 4tronix M.A.R.S. Rover was inspired by NASA’s Curiosity rover, which – after a journey of 350 million miles – landed on the Red Planet in 2012 and is still operational today (along with close relative Perseverance, which arrived in 2021). An ingenious suspension system for its six wheels helps it to navigate the rocky landscape. Equipped with an array of scientific instruments, along with a robotic arm and two cameras, its main mission is to examine the Martian geology (it can drill into rocks to obtain samples to analyse) and look for any signs that life could once have existed there.

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