Airbus has demonstrated a unique application for Valve's Steam Deck, utilizing the handheld gaming PC as a control interface for a prototype Mars rover. The device was employed by aerospace engineers at the company's Stevenage campus in the UK to navigate a test bed simulating Martian terrain. This unconventional use highlights the potential for familiar consumer technology in specialized scientific and engineering fields.
During a demonstration documented by YouTuber Tom Scott, the rover was driven forward using the Steam Deck. A specific button press on the device initiated a 90-degree turn of the rover's wheels, providing a simple yet effective method for maneuvering the vehicle and avoiding obstacles. This approach bypasses the need for complex turning mechanisms or the risk of getting stuck on simulated Martian rocks.
The engineers are developing autonomous navigation systems for the ExoMars rover, known as Rosalind Franklin, which is slated for a 2020s launch. While the final mission will rely on advanced autonomous capabilities, the Steam Deck served as a practical tool during the development and testing phases. Airbus Defence and Space UK managing director Kata Escott described the ExoMars project as "the culmination of more than 20 years’ work," with the company also responsible for the rover's landing platform, mechanical, thermal, and propulsion systems.
Although the rover will not be controlled by a Steam Deck when it reaches Mars, the use of the handheld PC in its development underscores the adaptability of modern gaming hardware in unexpected applications.