Teleoperated robots for collecting moon dust are making progress, as indicated by recent findings from researchers at the University of Bristol.
Teleoperated robots for gathering moon dust are a step closer, according to new research by scientists at the University of Bristol.
The research team successfully carried out a sample collection task by piloting a virtual simulation that transmitted commands to a physical robot, enabling it to replicate the simulation’s actions. This was accomplished while solely observing the simulation and without requiring live camera feeds, highlighting the potential of this technology for controlling operations on the Moon, where communication delays are a challenge.
With an increase in lunar lander missions this decade, numerous public and private entities are exploring effective methods for extracting important resources like oxygen and water from accessible materials such as lunar regolith (moon dust). Efficient remote handling of regolith is crucial, as it needs to be gathered from the Moon’s surface. Moreover, working with moon dust poses challenges due to its sticky, abrasive nature and the conditions of low gravity.
Lead researcher Joe Louca from Bristol’s School of Engineering Mathematics and Technology, as well as the Bristol Robotics Laboratory, stated: “One possibility is for astronauts to use this simulation to prepare for future lunar exploration missions.”
“In this model, we can modify the gravity strength and offer haptic feedback, allowing astronauts to experience how moon dust feels and reacts in the lunar environment, which has only one-sixth the gravitational force of Earth.”
“Furthermore, this simulation could aid in the remote operation of lunar robots from Earth, mitigating issues related to communication delays.”
Utilizing a virtual regolith model can also make it easier for aspiring developers of lunar robots to get started. Instead of needing to purchase costly simulants (artificial dust mimicking regolith) or relying on specific facilities, they can use this simulation for preliminary testing of their systems.
Looking ahead, the team plans to study how users interact with this system while controlling a robot that experiences communication delays. Even technically efficient systems may face challenges if users are hesitant to trust that the technology will perform as expected.
Joe added: “The model accurately predicted the results of a regolith simulant scooping task, demonstrating effectiveness and reliability 100% and 92.5% of the time.”
“In the coming decade, we can expect multiple crewed and uncrewed missions to the Moon, including NASA’s Artemis program and China’s Chang’e program.”
“This simulation could serve as a significant resource to assist in the preparation and operation for these missions.”
The tests were conducted at the European Space Agency’s European Centre for Space Applications and Telecommunications in Harwell.
Paper: ‘Demonstrating Trustworthiness in Open-Loop Model Mediated Teleoperation for Collecting Lunar Regolith Simulant’ by Joe Louca, Aliz Zemeny, Antonia Tzemanaki, and Romain Charles presented at the IROS 2024 (IEEE/RSJ International Conference on Intelligent Robots and Systems)
