Close-range planetary rover remote control system for human-robot collaborative operation based on multi-point relative positioning on planetary surface

Purpose The purpose of this study is to develop a planetary rover remote control system based on multi-point relative positioning on the planetary surface, so that astronaut can flexibly control planetary rover in a short distance to meet the real-time and fine operation requirements of human-machine collaborative operation. Design/methodology/approach By analyzing the human–robot cooperation scene on the planetary surface, a remote control system composed of multi-point positioning elements and remote control-receiving elements is designed. The algorithms of conventional mobile control, limit speed control and autonomous mobile control are developed. The functionality of this system are verified in the simulated planetary surface test field. Findings The planetary rover deployed with this system can travel in real time, flexibly and safely under the remote control of astronauts. The multi-point positioning element can accurately obtain the relative position of planetary rover. The planetary rover can successfully return and follow independently in the autonomous mobile mode. Originality/value The multi-point relative positioning method of lander-rover-astronaut can efficiently obtain position information. The limit speed control takes into account the astronaut’s field of view to enhance the safety of remote control. The autonomous mobile control based on multi-point positioning improves the intelligence of planetary rover.