V1.5 - Faraday

ABOUT FARADAY

The V1.5 Rover, named Faraday, is an improved version of the original V1 Rover. Development for V1.5 began immediately after the 2022 Summer CIRC competition, where the original V1 Rover faced challenges, particularly with its drive system. V1.5 features a robust 6-wheel tank drive system with a rocker-bogie suspension, designed to tackle tricky terrain with ease. Key improvements included switching from 3D-printed wheels and bevel gears to pneumatic wheels, enhancing rigidity with custom aluminum components, implementing a direct drive system, and adding a bungee system to the arm for better weight balance. Faraday competed in the 2022 and 2023 Summer CIRC, as well as the 2024 Winter CIRC, where it achieved notable success, including placing 4th overall in the 2023 competition and being the best in Canada in 2023 and 2024.

V2 - MAXWELL

ABOUT MAXWELL

The V2 Rover, named Maxwell, represents the team's second-generation rover, developed with a focus on serviceability and skill development in PCB design. Design work began in late 2022, with manufacturing starting in late 2023. Key features include a fully custom electrical architecture, a modular voltage regulator card system (VIPER), custom stepper driver boards (RAD) with closed-loop feedback control, and a slide-out battery system. The transition to a fully custom swerve drive system has significantly improved the rover's maneuverability and mobility. Maxwell made its debut at the Summer CIRC 2024, where it placed 16th out of 20. Moving forward, the team plans to improve on the design with a V2.5 Rover as well as starting the initial design for a V3 Rover to compete at a larger stage for the University Rover Challenge (URC) in Utah.