Project Snapshot
Timeline: 2017 - 6 Months
Role: Designer - Team Lead (Master’s, Strate École de Design)
Collaboration: Honda R&D Americas
Focus: Interplanetary mobility • Modularity • Energy autonomy
Overview
BBEE explores a ball‑propelled rover architecture with a gimbal‑stabilized cabin, deployable scouts, and hybrid energy (hydrogen/oxygen + solar). The concept targets rapid travel across loose regolith, stable operations on slopes, and seamless interfacing with Martian habitats.
Problem
Conventional rovers are slow and rigid on loose regolith and fractured rock. Future missions require platforms that combine speed, stability, and self‑sufficiency to support exploration and early colonization tasks.
Solution
BBEE is a ball‑based exploration rover where the outer sphere provides locomotion while an internal gimbal keeps the passenger cabin level. Modular systems (scout robot, energy stack, storage) enable multi‑role missions from scouting and sampling to logistics support at habitats.
Slide‑out mini storage for quick tool/sample access.
Key Features
Spherical Propulsion + Gimbal Cabin - roll locomotion with an internally stabilized, ergonomic cabin for two.
Mini‑Robot Deployment - docked scout robot for sampling, site prep, and risk‑first reconnaissance.
Energy Stack - hydrogen/oxygen power system complemented by origami solar recharge for extended ops.
High‑Grip Front Wheel Module - auxiliary traction and electromagnetic regenerative suspension concept for shock absorption and energy recovery.
Dual Mini Storages - quick pull‑out compartments for tools and collected samples.
Habitat Connectivity - data link for navigation, communication, and base docking alignment.
improved stability on loose regolith vs. 4‑wheel layouts; 90–120 min solar top‑up enabling extended day ops. These are design intentions, not measured results.
Exploded front wheel with regen suspension built for traction, shock absorption, and energy recovery on rough Martian ground.
Interior & Package
Compact cockpit for two explorers with clear sightlines and HUD‑ready surfaces.
Serviceable layout for energy modules, docking port, and scout bay.
Balanced Package Distribution - ensures even weight across the sphere for stable rolling dynamics.
Optimized Accessibility - key systems and modules positioned for quick maintenance and emergency access.
ALL VEHICLE MODES
Exploration Mode - Mapping Mars Inside & Out
Adaptive terrain scanning above and below the surface, UI overlays optional.
Adaptive terrain scanning above and below the surface, UI overlays optional.
Speed Mode - Unmatched Agility on Mars
Rapid traversal across dunes and rock fields, low‑angle dynamic shots.
Rapid traversal across dunes and rock fields, low‑angle dynamic shots.
Robot Deployment - Scout, Sample, Return
Lower bay opens, autonomous scout deploys for excavation and analysis.
Lower bay opens, autonomous scout deploys for excavation and analysis.
Ball Deployment - Transfer & Assist
Spherical module supports passenger transfer or specialized payload movement.
Spherical module supports passenger transfer or specialized payload movement.
Recharge Mode - Solar Origami
Fold‑out solar array for field recharging during day cycles.
Fold‑out solar array for field recharging during day cycles.
Colonization Mode - Habitat Support
Fleet logistics: materials movement, docking alignment, and base servicing.
Fleet logistics: materials movement, docking alignment, and base servicing.
Prototype - Clay + 3D‑printed components + CNC‑milled details for the exterior sphere, wheel module, and interior mockup. Final prototype photos and renders demonstrate massing, access panels, and mode storyboard.
What I Learned from this Project
- Translating sci‑fi inspiration into a mechanically plausible system.
- Designing for extreme environments: stability, energy, redundancy.
- The power of modularity for multi‑mission platforms.
- Communicating concepts through storyboarded modes, exploded views, and prototypes.
