Planetary Exploration Robots: Challenges and Opportunities: Proceedings of the IROS 2020 Workshop

Abstract

In this workshop, we reviewed the state of the art and provide an outlook towards the future of robotic, planetary surface exploration. As the scientific community strives to perform in-situ investigations of the unexplored areas in our solar system, requirements on mobility are becoming increasingly demanding. Steep craters, caves, highlands, permanently shadowed regions, and icy worlds are only a few examples of extreme environments a potential robot has to account for. In this regard, it is essential to share and discuss insights within the community on how to develop such platforms. On the other hand, the cost of accessing space is decreasing, which lowers the barrier for new players to enter the market. Private companies have started to develop landing platforms and rovers to sell planetary access as a product. This leads to a need for reduction of mission costs and careful risk management to increase profits. In summary, we plan to investigate challenges and opportunities for the future of mobile planetary exploration. Next-generation mobility concepts were presented, which allow for investigating so far unreached planetary environments. A special focus was laid on the presentation of scientific targets and commercial opportunities.