If you’ve ever dreamt of exploring the Red Planet, now’s your chance to step into the shoes of a NASA engineer with a groundbreaking new robotics kit. In a collaboration between Geek Club and CircuitMess, an out-of-this-world DIY project has been launched: a miniature robotic replica of the NASA Mars Perseverance rover.
The DIY Perseverance Mars rover kit aims to inspire the imaginations of both young and adult tinkerers, and it has already taken the crowdfunding world by storm. With a modest goal of $20,000 set on Kickstarter, the project has soared to nearly $420,000 in donations at the time of writing.
Designed for educational purposes, this kit provides all the necessary tools and components to build your very own Mars rover. The rover is constructed using pre-made circuit boards commonly found in open-source electronics like Raspberry Pi or Arduino. Similar to these popular DIY platforms, the Perseverance Rover kit offers a crash course in coding, electronics, and robotics, all in one package.
Impressively, this mini rover responds to both remote control and WiFi commands, thanks to its onboard AI capabilities. It features a motorized sample collection arm, a camera equipped with AI for advanced vision, and a powerful dual-core processor with WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity. Aspiring engineers can program the rover using various languages such as CircuitBlocks, Python, or C++.
But the excitement doesn’t stop at the Mars rover. Backers of this project will also gain access to an array of other captivating DIY kits. These include the Artemis Watch, a solar-powered model of the Juno space probe, a build-it-yourself Voyager space probe, and a scaled model of the space shuttle Discovery. To ensure you have everything needed for assembly, the kit even includes a soldering iron, wires, and protective glasses.
The remarkable popularity of this project demonstrates society’s enduring fascination with space exploration, as well as the enthusiasm for STEM learning. The campaign will run until December 5th, so those eager to dive into the world of robotics and space can support the project by visiting the official campaign page and securing their own kit.
FAQ
What is included in the DIY Perseverance Mars rover kit?
The kit includes all the necessary components to build your own miniature Mars rover, including pre-made circuit boards, a motorized sample collection arm, a camera with AI capabilities, and a powerful dual-core processor with WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity. It also comes with tools such as a soldering iron, wires, and protective glasses.
What programming languages can be used with the kit?
The Perseverance rover kit can be programmed using CircuitBlocks, Python, or C++.
Are there other DIY kits available besides the Mars rover?
Yes, backers of the project will also have access to other captivating DIY kits, including the Artemis Watch, a solar-powered model of the Juno space probe, a build-it-yourself Voyager space probe, and a scaled model of the space shuttle Discovery.
When is the deadline to back the project?
The campaign will run until December 5th, so interested individuals are encouraged to visit the official campaign page and secure their kit before the deadline.