Airbus engineers in the UK are utilizing the Valve Steam Deck as a portable control terminal for testing prototypes of the ExoMars rover. The device serves as a handheld interface for maneuvering the robots during ground-based trials, allowing engineers to send commands and observe system responses in real-time.
The application was revealed in a video by YouTuber Tom Scott, showing the device controlling a prototype rover via its integrated joysticks, buttons, and triggers. While the specific software and connection methods remain undisclosed, the Steam Deck functions as a flexible human-machine interface rather than the rover's primary onboard computer.
The Steam Deck's utility in this context stems from its Linux-based PC architecture and open hardware ecosystem. Its form factor, which combines a display with physical controls, offers greater convenience for testing mobile robotics compared to traditional laptop and keyboard setups, similar to its use in controlling BDX robots at Disney parks.
The ExoMars Rosalind Franklin rover is designed for high autonomy, as communication delays between Earth and Mars prevent real-time remote operation. The rover features 3D panoramic cameras and autonomous navigation systems, along with drilling equipment capable of reaching depths of approximately 2 meters to search for signs of life.
Airbus continues to develop and upgrade the rover, which is now scheduled to arrive at Mars around 2030 following mission delays. The company is also responsible for the lander's mechanical, thermal, and propulsion systems, ensuring the rover can transition to autonomous operations immediately upon landing.
