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Created page with "<h1>LUMINSim</h1> <p><strong>LUMINSim</strong> (Lunar Mining and Infrastructure Network Simulator) is an [https://github.com/auroraroboticslab/godotrobot/ open source] lunar robotic simulator developed by the Aurora Robotics Team. It serves as a critical tool for testing and refining autonomous robotic operations in a simulated lunar environment, directly supporting the overarching <strong>LUMIN</strong> control system. The simulation focuses on the challenges of mi..."
 
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<h1>LUMINSim</h1>
<h1>LUMINSim (AKA GodotRobot)</h1>
 
[[File:Astronaut Cinematic.png|alt=The LUMINSim astronaut standing on the edge of Shackleton crater.|thumb|The LUMINSim astronaut standing on the edge of Shackleton crater.]]
<p><strong>LUMINSim</strong> (Lunar Mining and Infrastructure Network Simulator) is an [https://github.com/auroraroboticslab/godotrobot/ open source] lunar robotic simulator developed by the Aurora Robotics Team. It serves as a critical tool for testing and refining autonomous robotic operations in a simulated lunar environment, directly supporting the overarching <strong>[[LUMIN]]</strong> control system. The simulation focuses on the challenges of mining, construction, and other infrastructure tasks essential for future lunar exploration.</p>
<p>'''Developers:''' Visit [[LUMINSim Documentation]] for more detailed information about LUMINSim's inner workings and how to get started with development.</p>
 
[[File:Astra Digging.png|alt=The Astra robot digging in LUMINSim.|thumb|The Astra robot digging in LUMINSim.]]
<h2>Overview</h2>
<h2>Overview</h2>


<p>LUMINSim provides a detailed and immersive simulation environment for lunar mining operations. As part of the broader LUMIN network, it allows the team to model various robotic designs, navigation algorithms, and task execution methods under realistic lunar conditions. The simulator currently features the <strong>Astra</strong> robot, the first prototype designed for lunar construction and mining.</p>
<strong>LUMINSim</strong> (Lunar Mining and Infrastructure Network Simulator) is an [https://github.com/auroraroboticslab/godotrobot/ open source] lunar robotic simulator developed by Aurora Robotics using [https://godotengine.org/ Godot 4.4]. It currently serves as a tool for testing and refining robots and their operations in a simulated lunar environment. We aim to make LUMINSim a commercially available product (see [[LUMINSim#Current Status and Development|Current Status and Development]]) to assist us in research and testing.
 
<p>The insights gained from LUMINSim's testing of Astra led to the development of a new, more versatile robot called <strong>[[LAMP]] (Lunar, Autonomous, Modular, Platform)</strong>. Astra’s limitations and inadequacies identified in LUMINSim directly informed the modular design philosophy of LAMP, highlighting the simulator's crucial role in advancing lunar robotic platforms.</p>
 
<h2>Features</h2>
 
<p>Key features of LUMINSim include:</p>
<ul>
  <li><strong>Terrain Simulation:</strong> Realistic lunar terrain with adjustable parameters. The terrain colliders match the mesh, providing an accurate physical environment for robotic interactions. Terrain texture and lighting are enhanced for greater visual fidelity and accuracy.</li>
  <li><strong>Autonomous Robot Control:</strong> Users can control mining robots, including the Astra prototype, in both autonomous and manual modes. Features include an in-game console for issuing commands, camera controls, and freecam mode for navigation and inspection.</li>
  <li><strong>Robot Design Testing:</strong> One of LUMINSim's primary purposes is to test and validate new robotic designs. Astra, the current robot in the simulator, serves as a learning tool that guided the development of LAMP by exposing design flaws and providing insight into necessary features for lunar operations.</li>
  <li><strong>Multi-Platform Support:</strong> Supports multiple platforms, including desktop and Android, providing a versatile simulation environment for different users and use cases.</li>
  <li><strong>Immersive Astronaut Simulation:</strong> Allows users to control an astronaut avatar within the simulation, equipped with various tools and vehicles for exploration.</li>
  <li><strong>Modular Design:</strong> The modular approach supports the addition of new features, robots, terrains, and missions, aligning with LAMP's design philosophy and the adaptive nature of the LUMIN control system.</li>
  <li><strong>Console Commands and UI Controls:</strong> Includes various user commands and UI elements, such as speed readouts, light controls, and simulation rate adjustments to enhance the simulation experience.</li>
</ul>


<h2>Current Status and Development</h2>
<p>LUMINSim allows us to test new [[L.A.M.P: Lunar, Autonomous, Modular Platform|LAMP]] candidates. [[Astra]] was the first [[L.A.M.P: Lunar, Autonomous, Modular Platform|LAMP]] candidate, but LUMINSim helped us identify fundamental flaws in its design.</p>


<p>LUMINSim is currently in its alpha stage, with ongoing development aimed at refining robot behavior, terrain interactions, and autonomous capabilities. The latest updates focus on improving terrain generation, enhancing the control of the Astra robot, and introducing new elements such as mountable lights, speed controls, and navigation systems.</p>
== Vision ==
Our vision is to '''release LUMINSim on Steam as a commercial-ready, full-featured lunar robotics simulator.'''


<p>Although Astra is the only robot currently in the simulator, its design serves as a foundation for the ongoing development of LAMP. LUMINSim continues to be an essential testbed for validating new designs and technologies before their implementation in actual lunar operations.</p>
* '''Terrain Streaming System:''' A chunk-style terrain download architecture (glTF/GLB) so clients fetch precomputed lunar terrain from a server (rather than generating them locally).
* '''In-Sim Challenges:''' Challenge modes like fastest unloading, excavation, or structure assembly; enable players to script robot behaviors via accessible client APIs. Useful for testing [[L.A.M.P: Lunar, Autonomous, Modular Platform|LAMP]] candidates and getting useful feedback and data.
* '''Realistic Sensors & Automation API:''' Realistic sensors (LIDAR, depth cams, IMUs, encoders, etc.) and a control API for user-coded autopilots (over local MQTT/websocket?). The ability to send commands over local connections allows users to utilize '''any programming language''' with networking capabilities to talk directly to the simulator.
* '''Leaderboard & Accounts:''' An account system and integrated leaderboard with reward mechanisms (gift cards, in-game cosmetics/land) for the previously mentioned challenges, as well as regular gameplay (i.e., building up your own moon base on your allocated zone), to support competitive play that boosts our research.
* '''Protocol Compliance:''' Realistically enforced LunaNet/Artemis Accords-style safety zones (see [[LUMIN]]) in gameplay to simulate real-world compliance. Allow risk-and-reward scenarios where players can challenge others’ zones, with consequences like protocol bans, network restrictions, and in-sim enforcement via [[L.A.M.P: Lunar, Autonomous, Modular Platform|LAMP]] robots, while also testing my ([[User:Acmattson3|Andrew Mattson]]'s) thesis work.
* '''Ownership & Economy:''' Create an in-game currency and a system for earning/purchasing lunar land, managing modular base construction (see [https://github.com/auroraroboticslab/buildot/ Buildot]), and calling down/sending up landers (with semi-realistic, or at least proportional wait times?) to get more equipment or send up materials for in-game money.


<h2>Related Projects</h2>
For more in-depth information about the future of LUMINSim, see the [[LUMINSim Documentation#Future Work|LUMINSim documentation's future work section]].<h2>Features</h2>


<ul>
<ul>
   <li>[[LAMP]] (Lunar, Autonomous, Modular, Platform) - The next-generation robot designed based on the lessons learned from testing Astra in LUMINSim.</li>
<li>Playable characters:
  <li>[[LUMIN]] (Lunar Mining and Infrastructure Network) - The overarching control software that manages various lunar operations, using LUMINSim as its primary simulation environment for testing and development.</li>
   <ul>
</ul>
    <li>The [[L.A.M.P: Lunar, Autonomous, Modular Platform|<strong>LAMP&nbsp;v1</strong> (Astra)]] rover</li>
    <li><strong>[[Excahauler]]</strong> (in progress; no fork/dump yet)</li>
    <li>Procedurally animated <strong>astronaut</strong> character</li>
  </ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Deformable lunar terrain</strong> based on NASA height‑map data, with excavation and dirtball re‑merging.</li>
<li><strong>Modular tool attachments</strong> (bucket, forks, saw blade) connected via a ToolCoupler.</li>
<li><strong>Power system</strong> featuring rechargeable batteries, charging stations, and solar panels.</li>
<li><strong>Multiplayer networking</strong> with host/join menus and synchronized objects.</li>
<li>User interface with rebindable controls, on‑screen joystick support, and FPS display.</li>
<li>Utility scenes such as a brick maker, tool spawner, and dirt spawner.</li>
<li>First‑person, third‑person, and spectator free‑camera modes.</li>
</ul><h2>Current Status and Development</h2>


<h2>How to Get Involved</h2>
<p>LUMINSim is currently in its alpha stage. Ongoing development is aimed at developing LUMINSim into a commercial product available on Steam and on the web. The current idea is to have players join to develop their own lunar zones and compete in challenges that assist us in our research. LUMINSim will also continue to serve as a testbed for validating new [[L.A.M.P: Lunar, Autonomous, Modular Platform|LAMP]] candidates and other lunar technologies, especially as users test each candidate's limits.</p>


<p>The Aurora Robotics Team welcomes collaboration with students and researchers interested in lunar robotics, simulation, and autonomous systems. For more details on LUMINSim or to contribute to its development, please visit our [https://github.com/auroraroboticslab/godotrobot/ GitHub repository].</p>
<p>For more information on the status of LUMINSim's development, see the [[LUMINSim Documentation|LUMINSim Documentation page]].</p>

Latest revision as of 13:47, 9 July 2025

LUMINSim (AKA GodotRobot)

The LUMINSim astronaut standing on the edge of Shackleton crater.
The LUMINSim astronaut standing on the edge of Shackleton crater.

Developers: Visit LUMINSim Documentation for more detailed information about LUMINSim's inner workings and how to get started with development.

The Astra robot digging in LUMINSim.
The Astra robot digging in LUMINSim.

Overview

LUMINSim (Lunar Mining and Infrastructure Network Simulator) is an open source lunar robotic simulator developed by Aurora Robotics using Godot 4.4. It currently serves as a tool for testing and refining robots and their operations in a simulated lunar environment. We aim to make LUMINSim a commercially available product (see Current Status and Development) to assist us in research and testing.

LUMINSim allows us to test new LAMP candidates. Astra was the first LAMP candidate, but LUMINSim helped us identify fundamental flaws in its design.

Vision

Our vision is to release LUMINSim on Steam as a commercial-ready, full-featured lunar robotics simulator.

  • Terrain Streaming System: A chunk-style terrain download architecture (glTF/GLB) so clients fetch precomputed lunar terrain from a server (rather than generating them locally).
  • In-Sim Challenges: Challenge modes like fastest unloading, excavation, or structure assembly; enable players to script robot behaviors via accessible client APIs. Useful for testing LAMP candidates and getting useful feedback and data.
  • Realistic Sensors & Automation API: Realistic sensors (LIDAR, depth cams, IMUs, encoders, etc.) and a control API for user-coded autopilots (over local MQTT/websocket?). The ability to send commands over local connections allows users to utilize any programming language with networking capabilities to talk directly to the simulator.
  • Leaderboard & Accounts: An account system and integrated leaderboard with reward mechanisms (gift cards, in-game cosmetics/land) for the previously mentioned challenges, as well as regular gameplay (i.e., building up your own moon base on your allocated zone), to support competitive play that boosts our research.
  • Protocol Compliance: Realistically enforced LunaNet/Artemis Accords-style safety zones (see LUMIN) in gameplay to simulate real-world compliance. Allow risk-and-reward scenarios where players can challenge others’ zones, with consequences like protocol bans, network restrictions, and in-sim enforcement via LAMP robots, while also testing my (Andrew Mattson's) thesis work.
  • Ownership & Economy: Create an in-game currency and a system for earning/purchasing lunar land, managing modular base construction (see Buildot), and calling down/sending up landers (with semi-realistic, or at least proportional wait times?) to get more equipment or send up materials for in-game money.

For more in-depth information about the future of LUMINSim, see the LUMINSim documentation's future work section.

Features

  • Playable characters:
  • Deformable lunar terrain based on NASA height‑map data, with excavation and dirtball re‑merging.
  • Modular tool attachments (bucket, forks, saw blade) connected via a ToolCoupler.
  • Power system featuring rechargeable batteries, charging stations, and solar panels.
  • Multiplayer networking with host/join menus and synchronized objects.
  • User interface with rebindable controls, on‑screen joystick support, and FPS display.
  • Utility scenes such as a brick maker, tool spawner, and dirt spawner.
  • First‑person, third‑person, and spectator free‑camera modes.

Current Status and Development

LUMINSim is currently in its alpha stage. Ongoing development is aimed at developing LUMINSim into a commercial product available on Steam and on the web. The current idea is to have players join to develop their own lunar zones and compete in challenges that assist us in our research. LUMINSim will also continue to serve as a testbed for validating new LAMP candidates and other lunar technologies, especially as users test each candidate's limits.

For more information on the status of LUMINSim's development, see the LUMINSim Documentation page.