Case Study: NASA’s Ames Research Center achieves rugged rover computing and connectivity with OnLogic’s Nuvo-1005

NASA's Ames Research Center powers K-Rex rover with OnLogic's rugged PC and 5 Gigabit Ethernet ports

NASA's Ames Research Center needed a rugged, compact PC with a wide range of connectivity to serve as the main computing unit for its K-Rex planetary rover project. The system had to oversee autonomous navigation and data collection from various subsystems while operating reliably in harsh environmental extremes, from desert heat to arctic cold. They partnered with OnLogic to find a solution.

OnLogic provided its fanless and ventless Nuvo-1005 rugged computer, configured with a powerful Intel Core i7 processor. This solution offered the necessary vibration resistance, wide operating temperature range, and extensive connectivity with five Gigabit Ethernet and four RS-232 COM ports. The OnLogic system successfully interfaced with NASA's proprietary rover software, enabling all required autonomous automation tasks and reliably functioning in the extreme field locations chosen to mimic other planetary surfaces.

NASA's Ames Research Center