Lightweight and resistant polymer-bearing in Mars robots

• What was needed: iglidur ® plastic plain bearing
• 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, space industry
• 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.

This Mars robot was built for the competition "Magma2 University Rover Challenge 2011". 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 mobile robot Magma2 Mars Rover is equipped with an electric drive and moves on 6 wheels. The Cartesian manipulator configuration weighs 38 kg and with articulated manipulator only 27.5 kg. It is used to observe the surroundings with a camera navigation periscope and a flying scout helicopter (with 6 propellers). URC competitions take place in the desert with 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 50 kg.

In view of the challenges posed by the regulations and the environmental conditions on the rover and its individual components, the designers of the rover team were forced to look for more efficient alternatives. The decision was finally made in favour of using iglidur ® polymer plain bearings. The robot consists mainly of plastic, e.g. polycarbonate. Very good material properties and a simultaneously low weight were the decisive advantages that led to the use of the iglidur® bearings. The bearings are reliable and resistant to the challenging environmental conditions of 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 customised components.