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We have developed an excavation robot for lunar-subsurface exploration. This robot moves using a mechanism based on the peristaltic crawling of earthworms, which can move stably. In our previous study, we demonstrated that the robot can excavate down to 938 mm using this technique. However, it can only excavate in a straight configuration. If it can excavate while curving, its exploration range would...
We have been developing an excavation robot for lunar subsurface investigations. The robot locomotion is based on the peristaltic crawling of an earthworm, which enables stable movement. The robot comprises three units: propulsion, excavation, and discharging units. In our previous research, we demonstrated that the propulsion and excavation units can excavate down to 650 mm without the discharging...
We have developed an exclusive planetary subsurface explorer robot with propulsion and excavation units. In this paper, we first explain the concept of our underground explorer robot. Next we develop an excavation unit with a tapered earth auger and a propulsion unit with dual pantograph. Several experiments are performed to demonstrate these features. Finally, we develop a subsurface explorer robot...
Subsurface exploration has been progressing rapidly. Exploring of the subsurface of Earth has received a lot of attention to investigate such environment as volcano, ocean and space. Now advanced technologies are required in subsurface exploration and some countries have tried to meet these new challenges. A subsurface investigation of celestial bodies is regarded as a especially significant technology...
Lunar or planetary exploration missions including landers and rovers are earnestly under studying in Japan. One of main missions for lunar robotics exploration is to demonstrate the technologies for lunar or planetary surface exploration. They will cover landing technology and surface exploration rover technology. Lunar geologic survey will be also performed for utilization and scientific investigation...
As space exploration progresses, renewed attention has been given to advanced lunar exploration technologies. The main objective is to address many open questions about the Moon, such as its origin or chemical components, as most of the current hypotheses are just inferences based on limited evidences. Unmanned subsurface investigation technologies for the moon are of special significance for future...
Lunar rovers are required to move on rough terrains such as in craters and rear cliffs where it is scientifically very important to explore. Recently, wheel typed rovers are popular for planetary exploration missions. However, there is a problem that the wheel typed rovers have possibility of stack. Therefore, this paper investigates a mechanism of kinetic behavior between the wheels of the exploration...
Subsurface exploration on the Moon is a significant mission for future space developments. The authors have studied an autonomous robotic explorer which can burrow into the soils. This paper focuses especially on the excavation mechanism of a burrowing robot for near-future lunar subsurface exploration. The main objective of the proposed robot is to bury a scientific observation instrument, such as...
Recently small body exploration missions have received a lot of attention in the world. In small body explorations, especially, detailed in-situ surface exploration by tiny probe is one of effective and fruitful means and is expected to make strong contributions towards scientific studies. JAXA/ISAS is promoting MUSES-C mission, which is the worldpsilas first sample and return attempt to/from the...
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