JLCPCB Empowering Innovation: The Journey of an Autonomous Exploration Vehicle

The Nomad project is a modular autonomous exploration vehicle, specifically designed to tackle complex terrains and perform scientific tasks. In this innovative project, JLCPCB provided comprehensive support, ranging from fast PCB manufacturing and efficient assembly services to precise PCBA manufacturing. This helped the project team maintain high quality while optimizing cost-effectiveness and ensuring timely delivery. With JLCPCB's 24-hour fast turnaround and global shipping services, the Nomad project was able to quickly meet global delivery targets and project objectives. JLCPCB's high reliability and precise manufacturing ensured the vehicle's stability in complex environments, while also ensuring that each design adhered to strict quality standards.

Modular autonomous exploration vehicle：The Nomad

Innovation and Challenges of Nomad

The Nomad exploration vehicle is equipped with an AI accelerator and ROS2 system, enabling it to make real-time decisions and dynamically adjust its actions based on environmental changes to ensure efficient task execution. Core innovations include a six-degree-of-freedom (6 DoF) manipulator, a unique Cycloidal gearbox, and four independent drive modules, each equipped with BLDC motors and planetary gearboxes, providing strong drive power and stability. Additionally, Nomad's modular design makes the entire system more flexible, supporting up to six single-board computers (SBCs) to meet the computational demands of various tasks. JLCPCB's cost-effective solutions allowed Nomad to achieve world-class quality while staying within budget. With JLCPCB's transparent pricing and real-time tracking services, the project team was able to monitor progress and ensure on-time delivery.

AI accelerator and ROS2 system of The Nomad exploration vehicle

How JLCPCB Helped

1.Fast PCB Manufacturing and Efficient Assembly Services

Nomad's modular design required high-precision PCBs, and JLCPCB provided ultra-fast PCB manufacturing and efficient PCBA services, completing production within 48 hours of order placement. Each PCB met the project's strict quality requirements. JLCPCB's automated placement and precise assembly services ensured the seamless integration of Nomad's electronic modules, guaranteeing system stability and reliability. The beginner-friendly platform and easy-to-use online interface from JLCPCB allowed the team to quickly complete the prototype design without worrying about the technical complexity of production.

2.Precise Manufacturing Ensures System Stability

Given the complex 4-layer PCB design of Nomad, JLCPCB ensured the quality of the PCBs through precise manufacturing capabilities. This allowed the exploration vehicle's electronic systems to operate stably in complex environments, supporting real-time decision-making and dynamic adjustments. JLCPCB's DFM check service helped the team optimize designs, ensuring that each PCB met the highest manufacturing standards and reducing the risk of errors.

3.Cost-effectiveness and High Value

JLCPCB provided low-cost, high-value solutions that helped the Nomad project complete high-quality production within a strict budget. The project benefited from JLCPCB's cost advantages during the prototype design and testing phases, maintaining a balance between high performance and cost-efficiency. JLCPCB's no MOQ (minimum order quantity) policy and instant online quotes enabled the project to adjust its needs flexibly, enjoying globally competitive quality and services regardless of order size.

The PCB structure of Nomad: manufactured by JLCPCB

Conclusion

With JLCPCB's technical support, the Nomad exploration vehicle project was successfully implemented. JLCPCB's precise manufacturing and fast delivery services helped the team rapidly achieve design goals, ensuring efficient project progression. As a global leader in PCB manufacturing, JLCPCB remains dedicated to providing reliable solutions for innovative projects, aiding in the development of high-performance, scalable technological breakthroughs. Trusted by 6M+ engineers globally, JLCPCB continues to offer reliable technical support and services for cutting-edge projects.