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Leo Rover changelog

Discover the evolution of Leo Rover with changelogs for each version. Explore hardware, software, and mechanical upgrades that enhance performance, durability, and ease of use.

00188 MEB cover for Leo Rover
Leo Rover Developer Kit v. 1.8
In this construction kit, the small Leo Rover mobile robot contains all, from A to Z. The Leo Rover Developer Kit allows you to assemble the robot's essential components.

Leo Rover 1.9 (coming soon Q2 2025)​

  • General Changes:

    • Chargers no longer include Weipu plugs; a Weipu-to-barrel jack converter is now shipped with each order.
    • Each rover now features an individual ID number plate.

  • Component Replacements:

    • Replaced the Raspberry Pi 4B 2GB with a Raspberry Pi 5 4GB.

  • Main Electronics Box (MEB) Updates:

    • Introduced passive cooling.
    • Added a metal plate to enhance heat dissipation.
    • Replaced micro USB port with USB-C.
    • Updated sponge rubber cord seal to a laser-cut rubber seal.
    • Minor quality-of-life improvements, including hole repositioning and resizing.

  • Suspension System Modifications:

    • Suspension beams are now drilled and secured to the rover body with long screws and torque-prevailing nuts instead of t-nuts.
    • Removed slotted holes from motor mounts.
    • Updated suspension beam fasteners.

  • Wheel Enhancements:

    • Modified rim geometry to stiffen tires, reducing the likelihood of detachment.

  • Software Upgrade:

    • Transitioned from ROS to ROS 2.

Leo Rover 1.8​

  • Component Replacements:

    • Introduced LeoCore, a new controller board, replacing the Core2-ROS controller, designed in-house for long-term availability and reduced reliance on external suppliers.
    • Upgraded Raspberry Pi 4B 1GB to Raspberry Pi 4B 2GB.

  • Hardware Improvements:

    • Implemented vibration-proof motor and LED connectors, replacing gold-pin connectors.
    • Increased power support up to 30V DC, enabling direct connection of 24V batteries for improved motor performance.
    • Integrated Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) for default accelerometer and gyroscope data.

  • Improved Add-on Integration:

    • Add-ons now connect directly to the Raspberry Pi without requiring controller firmware modifications.
    • Removed I2C, SPI, and CAN interfaces to simplify connections.
    • Tutorials now focus on USB-based add-on integration, with Arduino as an optional intermediary for advanced use cases.

Leo Rover 1.7​

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Note: Versions 1.7 and below were developed at a rapid pace, leading to undocumented or incomplete changes.

  • Replaced suspension rectangular profiles with V-slot 2040 extrusions.
  • Reverted to Buehler 1.61.077.414 motors.
  • Added Pololu Romi 12 CPR encoders to the motors.
  • Redesigned Main Electronics Box (MEB).
  • Replaced antenna modem with Alfa AWUS036ACS USB Wi-Fi adapter.

Leo Rover 1.5​

  • Rebranding:

    • Renamed from Turtle Rover to Leo Rover.

  • Motor and Electronics Upgrades:

    • Switched from Buehler 1.61.077.414 motors to Pololu 25D motors with integrated encoders.
    • Replaced Turtle Rover controller with Husarion Core2-ROS.
    • Replaced Fibox-based Main Electronics Box with a 3D-printed enclosure.

  • Connector and Antenna Changes:

    • Removed the top Weipu connector from the Main Electronics Box.
    • Added a Mini-USB connector in its place.
    • Relocated the antenna to the previous Weipu connector location.
    • Installed a new antenna modem inside the MEB, replacing the previous modem housed in one of the rover's rear compartments.

  • Component Replacements:

    • Upgraded Raspberry Pi 3B+ to Raspberry Pi 4B 1GB.
    • Replaced 2 MP CMOS OV2710 camera with an RPiCam OV5647 5MP camera.

Turtle Rover (Initial Version)​

No structured changelog available for the initial release.