1A2-L07 Development of the excavation robot with the peristaltic motion for investigation of the moon subsurface(Space Engineering and Robotics and Mechatronics(1))

Abstract

Excavation of the moon has a great potential for scientific progresses and space explanations, but the moon subsurface is unrevealed much. So, we have developed an excavation robot with peristaltic crawling mechanism. The robot consists of a propulsion mechanism and excavation mechanism. The propulsion mechanism has 3 propulsion units using a peristaltic motion, and the excavation mechanism comprised of an earth auger. Propulsion unit consists of a control unit and a CE (contraction and extension) unit. The CE unit has Dual-pantograph mechanism which is controlled by belt drive system. We had several experiments with the developed excavation robot. From these experiments, we confirmed the propulsion mechanism could move forward without slipping, and a developed excavation robot could burrow reddish soil.