There's a smaller version of the Rosalind Franklin ExoMars rover that kids can 3D print, assemble and program thanks to the six-wheeled ExoMy rover designed by ESA’s Planetary Robotics Laboratory. Anyone with access to a 3D printer can create their own mini version of the Mars rover and bring it to life using source code and instructions on GitHub.
In order to make sure that creating the rover would be as accessible as possible, the team says "We focused on making the design as affordable and accessible as possible. It uses a Raspberry Pi computer and off-the-shelf electronic parts available online and at any hobby shop."
The friendly rover can be dressed up with different hats and facial expressions, sharing an encouraging way for kids to learn about the ExoMars rover, set to launch in 2022.
Image Credit: ESA
Why This Trend Is Growing
- 3d-printed Rover Toys
- Disruptive innovation opportunity: Advancements in 3D printing technology allow for the creation of customizable and affordable rover toys for children.
- Accessible Design and Assembly
- Disruptive innovation opportunity: Streamlining the design and assembly process of the rover toys allows for greater accessibility and affordability for children.
- Educational Robotics for Kids
- Disruptive innovation opportunity: Integrating robotics into educational toys provides an engaging and hands-on learning experience for children.
Industries Being Reshaped
- 3D Printing
- Disruptive innovation opportunity: The 3D printing industry can cater to the demand for customizable and affordable rover toys for children.
- Toy Manufacturing
- Disruptive innovation opportunity: Toy manufacturers can incorporate 3D printing technology to create customizable and educational robotic toys for kids.
- Education
- Disruptive innovation opportunity: The education industry can adopt robotic toys as a tool to enhance learning experiences and engage children in STEM subjects.
