PROJECT

SPACE ROVER

The Alma-X project was born inside the University of Bologna - Alma Mater Studiorum, aiming to create a rover, almost entirely produced through 3D printing, for interplanetary exploration and to participate in the European Rover Challenge.

It is the first prototype of a planetary rover built in Emilia-Romagna. The partnership with Mark One is one of the strengths of the entire project. In fact, about 80% of the rover has been created with Additive Manufacturing. Thanks to the 3D technology and the wide choice of materials by Mark One, Alma-X has had the possibility, on one hand, to produce any component reducing costs and design time, on the other hand, to demonstrate the strength of its product in different mechanical applications. The team created, by means of Additive Manufacturing, and thanks to Mark One materials’ flexibility, the central body of the rover and the its wheels. Training aspects have been crucial: Mark One supported the project not only with the 3D printers, but also by transmitting the know-how necessary for its development. Through symposiums and industry events the necessary skills got transmitted to the students involved in the project.