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Robotics at JPL .

DuAxel

A versatile rover for accessing high-risk terrain

Robot Statistics

Ability

Driving, Transforming

Wheels

4

Status

In Development

Potential Destinations

Moon, Mars, Asteroids

Animal Analog: Spider

About DuAxel

DuAxel is an evolution of the Axel system, a versatile family of single-axle rovers designed to access high-risk terrain on planetary surfaces, such as steep slopes, boulder fields, and caves – areas that would be challenging or inaccessible for current rovers in use, such as Mars Curiosity.

DuAxel
Mobility

Power of Two

DuAxel uses two connected Axel rovers to travel long distances. Upon reaching a steep slope or cliff they split in two so that one tethered Axel can rappel down the steep hazard to reach otherwise inaccessible terrain while the other acts as an anchor at the top of the slope.

DuAxel seperated
Agility

Retractable Tether

By reeling and unreeling its built-in tether, the Axel rover is able to lower itself down almost any type of terrain.

DuAxel rappelling
Nimbleness

Solo Maneuvers

To turn, the two-wheeled axle just rotates one of its wheels faster than the other. Its sensors, actuators, electronics, power, and payload are all located inside the central cylinder between the wheels.

DuAxel
Factoid

Power of Two

DuAxel uses two connected Axel rovers to travel long distances. Upon reaching a steep slope or cliff they split in two so that one tethered Axel can rappel down the steep hazard to reach otherwise inaccessible terrain while the other acts as an anchor at the top of the slope.

DuAxel seperated
Factoid

Retractable Tether

By reeling and unreeling its built-in tether, the Axel rover is able to lower itself down almost any type of terrain.

DuAxel rappelling
Factoid

Solo Maneuvers

To turn, the two-wheeled axle just rotates one of its wheels faster than the other. Its sensors, actuators, electronics, power, and payload are all located inside the central cylinder between the wheels.

DuAxel: A NASA Prototype Rover to Explore the Toughest Terrain

Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech

Find Out More

JPL Robotics: The Axel Rover System

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