NASA JPL Open Source Rover
The free blueprints for a scaled-down Mars-style rover.
- Cost
- ~US$1,600parts list is about US$1,421 before shipping
- Difficulty
- 4/5
- Build time
- 100+ hours
- Skills
- Mechanical assembly · Wiring · Raspberry Pi + ROS
Made by NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory · License Apache-2.0
The files are hosted by the maker. We never re-upload them.
What it is
JPL's own scaled-down version of the six-wheel design it uses on Mars. It has the famous rocker-bogie suspension, which keeps all six wheels on the ground while it climbs, and a Raspberry Pi brain. Note: it's mostly bought aluminum parts, not 3D printing.
How it works
- Ten motors: one geared drive motor inside every wheel (6), plus a steering servo on each corner (4).
- The middle wheels don't steer, like a car's rear wheels.
- Rocker-bogie suspension: a normal car clears bumps about half a wheel high, this design clears over two wheels high.
- A Raspberry Pi runs it on ROS.
What you need
- goBILDA aluminum parts (parts list in the repo)
- 6 gear motors with encoders and 4 servos
- Raspberry Pi and the custom PCB (or wiring by hand)
- Time: a classroom or club project
Parts we use
- SBC/computeRaspberry Pi 4 Model B (4 GB)Waveshare ★Amazon ★
- Controller boardsPCA9685 16-channel servo driverWaveshare ★Amazon ★
- SBC/computemicroSD card 64 GB (SanDisk Extreme)Amazon ★
- Hardware/toolsPinecil smart soldering ironAmazon ★
- 3D printingPLA filament 1.75 mm (Bambu Lab PLA Basic)Amazon ★
- 3D printingPLA filament 1.75 mm (Polymaker PolyLite PLA Pro)Amazon ★
★ = affiliate link. If you buy through it, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Check the maker's bill of materials for exact quantities; prices change.
Is it for me?
Big and pricey, but very well documented. Great for a school, club or family project. Not affiliated with or endorsed by NASA/JPL.
Official links
Summary written by us in plain words. Not affiliated with or endorsed by NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Prices and links last checked Nov 3, 2026. Are you the maker and want something changed? Email us.