Robots are indispensable to planetary exploration and in the exploration of our solar system. Reconnaissance of a planet surface on-site is conducted by mobile robot systems, for the most part by rovers or walking machines specially designed for forward movement in impassable terrain. These robots autonomously explore the surface and craters of moons or other planets, using target specifications provided by operators on earth. They collect rock particle samples, which they are already able to analyse on-site using their sensors or which they can transport to the base station.
Such exploration robots are highly sophisticated robotic systems. eRobotics techniques provide new approaches for the efficient development of these systems from the first draft through to the comprehensive test in virtual test beds, as well as for their safe operation. eRobotics also enables the implementation of intelligent robot systems through the use of simulation technology in the system itself.