A new computer model developed by researchers at the University of Bristol mimics Moon dust, leading to smoother and safer lunar robot teleoperations.
Working with Thales Alenia Space in the UK, the team investigated a virtual version of Moon dust, otherwise known as regolith.
The tool, based at the Bristol Robotics Laboratory, could be used to train astronauts ahead of Lunar missions.
Why is Moon dust important?
Lunar regolith is necessary for the upcoming space exploration missions planned over the next decade.
From it, scientists have the potential to extract valuable resources such as oxygen, rocket fuel, or construction materials to support a long-term presence on the Moon.
How to collect regolith
To collect regolith, remotely operated robots are a practical choice. This is because they have low risks and costs compared to human spaceflight.
However, operating robots over these large distances introduces delays into the system, making them more difficult to control.
Now that the team knows their computer model behaves similarly to reality, it can be used to mirror operating a robot on the Moon. This approach allows the robot to be controlled without delay, providing a smoother and more efficient experience.
Lead author Joe Louca, based in Bristol’s School of Engineering Mathematics and Technology explained: “Think of it like a realistic video game set on the Moon – 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.
“This model is accurate, scalable, and lightweight, so can be used to support upcoming lunar exploration missions.”
An accurate simulation model
The study followed from previous work of the team, which found that expert robot operators want to train on their systems with increasing realism and risk. This means starting in a simulation and building up to using physical mock-ups, then moving on to using the actual system.
An accurate simulation model is vital for training and developing the operator’s trust in the system.
Problems with detailed simulation models
Although some accurate and detailed models of Moon dust have been developed previously, they are so detailed that they require a lot of computational time. This makes them too slow to control a robot smoothly.
This challenge was tackled by researchers from DLR through the development of a virtual model of regolith that considers density, stickiness, and friction, as well as the Moon’s reduced gravity.
Their model is significant for the space industry as it is light on computational resources and can run in real-time because of this.
However, it works best with small quantities of Moon dust.
Extending the model’s potential
The team from Bristol University aimed to extend the model so it could handle more Moon dust, while staying lightweight enough to run in real-time. They then wanted to verify it experimentally.
Louca added: “Our primary focus throughout this project was on enhancing the user experience for operators of these systems – how could we make their job easier?
“We began with the original virtual regolith model developed by DLR, and modified it to make it more scalable.
“Then, we conducted a series of experiments – half in a simulated environment, half in the real world – to measure whether the virtual moon dust behaved the same as its real-world counterpart.”
Future aims of the team
As this model of regolith is promising for being accurate and lightweight enough to be used in real-time, the team will now investigate whether it can be used when operating robots to collect Moon dust.
They also plan to investigate whether a similar system could be created to simulate Martian soil. This could benefit future exploration missions, or train scientists in material handling from the Mars Sample Return mission.
