A team at Kennesaw State University is developing a drone that can crawl and fly, so one day it can explore the harsh Martian terrain. This ambitious project, led by mechanical engineering major Tommy Brown, aims to push the boundaries of space exploration by designing a hybrid drone capable of navigating the most challenging landscapes on Mars.
Brown has been fascinated by the vastness of space and the mystery of faraway stars for as long as he can remember, so it’s only natural he chose to pursue engineering. “On top of always being a space nerd, I’ve also always been a huge LEGO nerd,” the mechanical engineering major said with a chuckle. “So, I guess it makes sense that I want to build things that go into space.”
KSU’s mechanical engineering and robotics programs have become a launchpad for students like Brown who are eager to push the boundaries of what’s possible. With a nearly 100% employment rate for graduates and a curriculum that blends mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering, these programs are training the next generation of innovators–and in considerable volumes. Offering Georgia’s second-largest engineering program, KSU remains a leader in producing the state’s engineering workforce.
Brown has thrown himself deeply into his work with the Summer Undergraduate Research Program through KSU’s Office of Undergraduate Research. He’s been working on a hybrid drone concept capable of flying and walking, a design that could one day make a trip to Mars.
Brown’s recent work includes a review of the application of different types of drone designs, as well as the design of a drone system for use on Earth and other planets. He and other undergraduate researchers, assembled during his time in the First-Year Scholars Program, have spent the past year developing a drone with a flexible, soft-robotic walking system. The drone is equipped with tendon-like cords and flexible legs, designed to move through the rugged surface of Mars. Unlike traditional rovers, this drone could slip into crevices or navigate caves that are otherwise inaccessible.
“Right now, we have the Mars rover, which can drive around on the surface of the planet but can also easily get stuck on rocks and isn’t able to climb steep cliffs or enter tight passages,” Brown said. “Our robot’s design could enable the walking portion to explore cave systems, while the flying portion could reach the tops of spires, which were previously off-limits.”
Though the drone is still in the construction phase, the potential applications of the finished product are vast. The project promises to advance space exploration by enabling scientists to explore previously unreachable areas of exoplanets, areas that may hold the key to understanding the possibility of life beyond Earth.
Future versions of the drone will improve its mobility, strength, and reliability. The drone could assist traditional planetary rovers by mapping their surroundings and identifying more accessible paths for data collection.
Brown’s work has not gone unnoticed. Turaj Ashuri, interim assistant dean for academic affairs in the Southern Polytechnic College of Engineering and Engineering Technology, serves as the principal investigator on this project. “Brown has shown impressive potential, early as he is in his university career, to make real breakthroughs in robotics engineering,” Ashuri said. “It’s his hunger to learn, sharpen his skills and solve complex engineering problems that make him stand out.”
Brown’s journey at KSU has made an impact on his passion for space exploration and his aspirations to work at NASA or SpaceX. “As far as I know, the soft robotics technology we’re using for this hybrid design concept hasn’t been used in planetary exploration so far, so that’s exciting,” Brown said.
“But even if these ideas don’t take off in the complex world of space robotics as they are, KSU has provided me opportunities I don’t think I could have gotten elsewhere.” Tommy Brown
With one of the top engineering programs in the state and state-of-the-art facilities at students’ disposal, KSU is focused on providing every student with opportunities to make a real difference. Whether it’s exploring distant planets or revolutionizing technology here on Earth, we’re committed to helping students gain the tools they need to impact the world—and beyond.
