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Completed TRL 3 (started at 2, targeting 3)
As a first step in HOTBot maturation, proof of concept for a silicon-carbide (SiC) electronic control unit is developed to operate the electrical subsystems with demonstration of an autonomous line-following maneuver at room temperature. An interface will allow a combination of existing SiC components to work in conjunction with emulations of the newest version in development to test a one-bit microprocessor that enables digital computation for the first time within extreme environments.
A silicon-carbide electronic control unit will enable for the first time the capability to acquire sensor data, actuate mechanical functions, conduct calculations, and support communications from a mobile robotic platform operating in extremely harsh temperature environments ranging from Lunar craters to the Venusian surface.
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