We are excited to announce the upcoming release of Leo Rover 1.9, scheduled for the first of May 2025. This latest version introduces several significant enhancements aimed at improving performance, usability, and customization options. Here's an in-depth look at what's new:

Hardware Upgrades

Enhanced Processing Power

Leo Rover 1.9 upgrades its computing capabilities by replacing the Raspberry Pi 4B 2GB with the more powerful Raspberry Pi 5 4GB. This enhancement ensures smoother operation and better handling of complex tasks.​

Improved Main Electronics Box (MEB)

The MEB has undergone several modifications to enhance durability and functionality:​

• Passive Cooling Integration: A metal plate has been added to improve heat dissipation, ensuring optimal operating temperatures during extended use.​
  
• USB-C Port: The outdated mini USB port has been replaced with a USB-C port, aligning with modern connectivity standards.​
  
• Enhanced Sealing: The previous sponge rubber cord seal has been updated to a laser-cut rubber seal, providing better protection against environmental factors.​
  
• Quality-of-Life Improvements: The orientation of the Raspberry Pi has been adjusted to provide easier access to the microSD card. Additional minor changes, such as hole repositioning and resizing, further improve assembly and maintenance.
• Camera Upgrade: The camera has been replaced with a 12.3MP HQ Camera Module for Raspberry Pi, equipped with a 158°(D) M12 wide-angle lens, providing improved image quality and field of view.

Mechanical improvements

To bolster the rover's structural integrity, the suspension system has been improved:​

• Secure Fastening: Suspension beams are now drilled and secured to the rover body using long screws and torque-prevailing nuts, replacing the previous t-nut method.​
  
• Motor Mount Adjustments: Slotted holes have been removed from motor mounts to enhance stability and alignment.​
  
• Updated Fasteners: Suspension beam fasteners have been upgraded for increased durability.​
  
  

Wheel Design Optimization

The wheel rims have been redesigned to stiffen the tires and to significantly reduce the likelihood of tire falling off during operation (especially turning in place).​

Unique Identification

Unique Identification: Each rover will now feature an individual ID number plate, facilitating easier tracking and support.​

Software Transition

In a significant software upgrade, Leo Rover 1.9 transitions from ROS to ROS 2. This move offers improved performance and better support for real-time operations, ensuring the rover remains at the forefront of robotic technology.​

Support for ROS Noetic

We know that some Leo Rover users still rely on ROS Noetic, and we don’t want to leave them out in the cold. While it’s not straightforward - ROS Noetic isn’t compatible with the latest Ubuntu releases - we’re working around this by dockerizing our ROS software stack.

Good news for current Leo Rover 1.8 users!

Alongside the 1.9 hardware update, we’ll be releasing a new LeoOS based on ROS 2 — and it will be fully compatible with existing 1.8 rovers. That means you can enjoy the benefits of the new software stack without changing your hardware.‍

Announcement for all current Leo Rover users!

We do our best to keep our software backward-compatible. The new LeoOS releases will continue to support older hardware. But if you'd like to upgrade your rover’s hardware, we’ve got great news for you! We’re planning to offer upgrade kits with the key components and hardware improvements introduced in version 1.9. These kits will make it easier for current users to bring their rovers up to date without needing to purchase a whole new unit.

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