{"id":577982,"date":"2024-02-24T12:21:49","date_gmt":"2024-02-24T17:21:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.therobotreport.com\/?p=577982"},"modified":"2024-02-23T16:50:18","modified_gmt":"2024-02-23T21:50:18","slug":"new-computer-model-could-help-robots-collect-moon-dust","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.therobotreport.com\/new-computer-model-could-help-robots-collect-moon-dust\/","title":{"rendered":"New computer model could help robots collect Moon dust"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"researchers

The same experiments were set up in, both, simulation and reality to see if the virtual regolith behaved realistically. This test looked at how small (16 g) samples of material flowed through narrow funnels. | Credit: Joe Louca<\/p><\/div>\n

Researchers claim a new computer model mimics Moon dust so well that it could lead to smoother and safer Lunar robot teleoperations. The tool, developed by researchers at the University of Bristol and based at the Bristol Robotics Laboratory, could be used to train astronauts ahead of Lunar missions.<\/p>\n

Working with their industry partner, Thales Alenia Space in the UK, who has specific interest in creating working robotic systems for space applications, the team investigated a virtual version of regolith, another name for Moon dust.<\/p>\n

Lunar regolith is of particular interest for the upcoming Lunar exploration missions<\/a> planned over the next decade. From it, scientists can potentially extract valuable resources such as oxygen, rocket fuel or construction materials, to support a long-term presence on the Moon.<\/p>\n

To collect regolith, remotely operated robots emerge as a practical choice due to their lower risks and costs compared to human spaceflight. However, operating robots over these large distances introduces large delays into the system, which make them more difficult to control.<\/p>\n

Now that the team know this simulation behaves similarly to reality, they can use it to mirror operating a robot on the Moon. This approach allows operators to control the robot without delays, providing a smoother and more efficient experience. You learn more by reading the technical paper here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Lead author Joe Louca, based in Bristol\u2019s School of Engineering Mathematics and Technology explained: \u201cThink of it like a realistic video game set on the Moon \u2013 we want to make sure the virtual version of moon dust behaves just like the actual thing, so that if we are using it to control a robot on the Moon, then it will behave as we expect.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis model is accurate, scalable, and lightweight, so can be used to support upcoming lunar exploration missions.\u201d<\/p>\n

This study followed from previous work<\/a> of the team, which found that expert robot operators want to train on their systems with gradually increasing risk and realism. That means starting in a simulation and building up to using physical mock-ups, before moving on to using the actual system. An accurate simulation model is crucial for training and developing the operator\u2019s trust in the system.<\/p>\n