Design and application of a vehicle robot to FAST reflector surface

Purpose This paper aims to introduce a wheeled vehicle robot for adapting to the surface terrain of the 500-m diameter reflector of the FAST radio telescope in China. Design/methodology/approach By analyzing vehicles applied for different off-road environments, a six-wheeled architecture with a passive “triple-bogie” suspension is selected. A subscale model of the vehicle robot is designed, along with statics modeling and multibody simulations of the dynamics on simulated reflector panel surfaces. The slope- and step-climbing abilities of the subscale vehicle are discussed in accordance with numerical and experimental tests. An engineering scale vehicle is subsequently manufactured and tested on surface terrains of lateral as well as vertical gaps, and is finally validated on the FAST reflector. Findings This model of vehicle robot exhibits strong structure stability under desired payload. It can stably cross lateral gaps for maximum surface slope 28° and can traverse vertical gap for maximum surface slope 23°. The traversing abilities satisfy the mobility requirements subjected to surface terrains of FAST reflector. Originality/value The engineering vehicle robot negotiates the lateral as well as vertical gaps between triangle panels and has been successfully applied to the FAST reflector serving for inspection and maintenance work.