Meet Plover, Portsmouth Public Library's Rover!

Are you fascinated by NASA’s Mars Rovers? Meet Plover, the PPL Rover! Library staff will host three educational programs as we build the PPL Rover throughout the summer. Attend one or all three for demonstrations, discussion and exploration!

Meet the PPL Rover: Design & Mechanics
Monday July 22 | 6:30 – 8 PM
Library staff will discuss the process of selecting a design and gathering both mass-produced and 3D printed parts for Plover. We will demonstrate assembly of Plover’s mechanical system, which recreates the Mars Rovers’ distinctive rocker-bogie suspension. There will be plenty of time for questions and exploration! View this event on Facebook!

Meet the PPL Rover: Electrical System & Programming
Saturday August 10 | 1:30 - 3 PM
Library staff will demonstrate Plover’s electrical system and the Raspberry Pi which runs its remote-control software. We will discuss how we programmed the Raspberry Pi and how it manipulates Plover’s six independent wheels. We will finish up by talking about optional components such as sensors, displays, maybe even a webcam! View this event on Facebook!

Meet the PPL Rover: The Final Unveiling!
Monday August 26 | 6:30 – 8 PM
The Portsmouth High School Robotics Team will join us for a final unveiling of Plover, the PPL Rover! Library staff will compare Plover to NASA’s Curiosity, Spirit and Opportunity Rovers and team members will demonstrate their most recent robot! View this event on Facebook!