Research from the Simulation-Based Engineering Lab (SBEL), by the open-source Chrono simulation framework co-developed with collaborators from the University of Parma in Italy, was recently highlighted in a College of Engineering feature article
and republished by TechXplore.
This work, conducted in collaboration with colleagues from MIT, NASA, and ProtoInnovations, examines the challenges of rover mobility in extraterrestrial environments and presents simulation-based insights into why rovers often experience reduced traction on planetary surfaces. The research builds on SBEL’s longstanding efforts in terramechanics simulation and rover dynamics.
Special recognition goes to Wei, now a professor at Shanghai Jiao Tong University, whose contributions were central to this project, as well as to the many SBEL researchers whose steady commitment continues to drive progress in rover simulation and robotics.
