Chondrobot-2: A simple and efficient semi-autonomous tele-robotic lunar excavator

Abstract

A simple, light-weight and efficient excavation system to excavate and collect lunar regolith has been developed at BRAC university. The excavation system has a dimension of 1.21m × 0.66m × 0.74m with a total weight of 65 kg. This four wheel drive robot consists of a bucket-ladder system for excavation and is capable of collecting 8kg of regolith per minutes. It also includes a collector bucket which can contain 18kg regolith and deposit in a bin which is installed on 50 cm height. The excavation hardware can be operated both manually and remotely through a web browser by logging in from any computer without direct visual and auditory access to the hardware. A KINECT sensor based semi-auto navigation is incorporated to avoid obstacle while motion.