3D virtual reality simulator for planetary rover operation and testing

This paper describes a computer-simulated virtual reality environment for planetary rover operation and testing. The proposed 3D Virtual Rover Operation Simulator (VROS) consists of rover model, perception of the planetary surface, and rover-terrain contact model, which provides a simulation platform to test and validate different rover chassis design, navigation and locomotion algorithms, and to support rover operation. Lab-based experiments have been carried out and results can demonstrate various functions of VROS and its performance.