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<h1>LAMP v1 (Astra)</h1>
<h1>LAMP v1 (Astra)</h1>
[[File:Astra Digging.png|alt=Astra in LUMINSim, digging on a hill.|thumb|Astra in LUMINSim, digging on a hill.]]
[[File:Astra Digging.png|alt=Astra in LUMINSim, digging on a hill.|thumb|Astra in LUMINSim, digging on a hill.]]
<p><strong>LAMP v1, also known as Astra</strong>, is the first version of the [[LAMP (Lunar, Autonomous, Modular, Platform)]] mining robot. Astra was developed and rigorously tested in the <strong>[[LUMINSim]]</strong> environment to assess its capabilities in mining, mobility, and transport on the lunar surface. Although intended to serve as the primary LAMP robot, Astra's design flaws revealed during testing have led to the development of a new version.</p>
<p><strong>LAMP v1, also known as Astra</strong>, is the first proposed candidate to become [[L.A.M.P: Lunar, Autonomous, Modular Platform|LAMP (Lunar, Autonomous, Modular, Platform)]]. Designed by [[User:Frozenstiff|Elliott Madsen]], Astra was developed in [https://www.autodesk.com/products/fusion-360/overview Fusion360] and tested in <strong>[[LUMINSim]]</strong> to assess its mining, mobility, and transport capabilities on the lunar surface. This testing revealed core flaws requiring near-complete redesign, which (as of July 3rd, 2025) has yet to be completed.</p><p>For more information and visuals, watch the [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GwJjh-E93ZA&ab_channel=RobotMoose RobotMoose YouTube video about Astra] that covers both Astra and [[L.A.M.P: Lunar, Autonomous, Modular Platform|LAMP]].</p>


<h2>Design Overview</h2>
<h2>Design Overview</h2>


<p>Astra features a single arm equipped with a modular tool coupler, allowing it to switch between various attachments. Unlike other mining robots such as the <strong>[[Excahauler]]</strong>, Astra does not have a pre-attached bucket; instead, it relies on its modular design for different excavation tasks. The tool coupler on Astra also has tilt functionality, providing greater versatility in handling a range of tools during mining operations.</p>
=== Modular Tool Coupler ===
<p>Astra features a single arm equipped with a modular tool coupler, allowing it to utilize any tool designed for it. Unlike <strong>[[Excahauler]]</strong>, Astra does not have a pre-attached bucket, as it's design prioritizes modularity. Astra's tool coupler is located on the end of a two-joint arm and has tilt functionality, providing versatility in operating a range of tools.</p>


<h2>Key Components</h2>
=== Modular Bed ===
On Astra's back is a modular bed coupler. This coupler allows it to carry a large variety of beds, including but not limited to:


<ul>
* A hopper-style bed (seen in the photo above; for transporting loose material).
  <li><strong>Arm and Tool Coupler:</strong> Astra’s arm is designed for multi-purpose use, with a tool coupler that allows quick switching between attachments. The coupler's tilt functionality provides added flexibility during excavation and material handling.</li>
* A flatbed (for general transport of solid objects).
  <li><strong>Mobility:</strong> Astra's mobility system was designed to navigate lunar terrain, with emphasis on transporting materials and tools across various conditions.</li>
* A tool bed (for carrying multiple tool types).
  <li><strong>Modular Bed Interface:</strong> The robot features a built-in hopper for hauling lunar regolith.</li>
* A communications relay (possibly with an antenna to be lifted by the arm's tool coupler).
</ul>


<h2>Design Flaws and Testing</h2>
=== Frame ===
Astra's frame was designed to be highly modular while also allowing high mobility across lunar terrain, with emphasis on ease of travel and transport.<h2>Design Flaws and Testing</h2>


<p>During its development and testing in <strong>[[LUMINSim]]</strong>, several design flaws in Astra were identified:</p>
<p>During its development and testing in <strong>[[LUMINSim]]</strong>, several design flaws in Astra were identified:</p>


<ul>
<ul>
   <li>The arm's hinge point was positioned too far forward, causing the robot to tip over easily, especially during lifting operations.</li>
   <li>The arm's hinge point on the frame was positioned too far forward, causing the robot to easily tip over, especially during heavy lifting.</li>
   <li>The original built-in hopper design was deemed inefficient, leading to the adoption of a modular bed interface for greater adaptability.</li>
   <li>The original built-in hopper design was deemed inefficient. This was replaced with the aforementioned modular bed interface, but was not enough to save the overall design due to the previous issue.</li><li>The wheelbase generally struggles in lunar agility.</li>
</ul>
</ul>These insights have guided plans for design improvements in the next [[L.A.M.P: Lunar, Autonomous, Modular Platform|LAMP]] candidate.<h2>Related</h2>
 
<p>These flaws, along with other mobility and mining challenges, were observed during LUMINSim testing. These insights have been instrumental in guiding the design improvements for the next version of LAMP, which aims to address Astra's limitations.</p>
 
<h2>Legacy and Future Development</h2>
 
<p>Astra's development laid the groundwork for the modular approach and tool versatility that define the LAMP project. While Astra itself will not be used in future missions due to its design flaws, its testing in LUMINSim has provided valuable lessons that are shaping the next iteration of LAMP.</p>
 
<h2>Related Projects</h2>
 
<ul>
  <li><strong>[[LUMINSim]]</strong> - The simulation environment where Astra was developed and tested, revealing the design flaws that are being addressed in future versions.</li>
  <li><strong>[[LAMP]]</strong> - The overarching project aimed at creating a versatile lunar mining and construction robot, with Astra serving as the initial prototype.</li>
  <li><strong>[[Excahauler]]</strong> - Another mining robot project with different design characteristics, such as a pre-attached bucket, compared to Astra's modular tool coupler.</li>
</ul>


<p>For more information or to contribute to the development of the LAMP project, visit the team's [https://github.com/AuroraRoboticsLab GitHub page].</p>
<p>For more information or to contribute to the development of the [[L.A.M.P: Lunar, Autonomous, Modular Platform|LAMP]] project, visit the team's [https://github.com/AuroraRoboticsLab GitHub page].</p>

Latest revision as of 17:18, 1 August 2025

LAMP v1 (Astra)

Astra in LUMINSim, digging on a hill.
Astra in LUMINSim, digging on a hill.

LAMP v1, also known as Astra, is the first proposed candidate to become LAMP (Lunar, Autonomous, Modular, Platform). Designed by Elliott Madsen, Astra was developed in Fusion360 and tested in LUMINSim to assess its mining, mobility, and transport capabilities on the lunar surface. This testing revealed core flaws requiring near-complete redesign, which (as of July 3rd, 2025) has yet to be completed.

For more information and visuals, watch the RobotMoose YouTube video about Astra that covers both Astra and LAMP.

Design Overview

Modular Tool Coupler

Astra features a single arm equipped with a modular tool coupler, allowing it to utilize any tool designed for it. Unlike Excahauler, Astra does not have a pre-attached bucket, as it's design prioritizes modularity. Astra's tool coupler is located on the end of a two-joint arm and has tilt functionality, providing versatility in operating a range of tools.

Modular Bed

On Astra's back is a modular bed coupler. This coupler allows it to carry a large variety of beds, including but not limited to:

  • A hopper-style bed (seen in the photo above; for transporting loose material).
  • A flatbed (for general transport of solid objects).
  • A tool bed (for carrying multiple tool types).
  • A communications relay (possibly with an antenna to be lifted by the arm's tool coupler).

Frame

Astra's frame was designed to be highly modular while also allowing high mobility across lunar terrain, with emphasis on ease of travel and transport.

Design Flaws and Testing

During its development and testing in LUMINSim, several design flaws in Astra were identified:

  • The arm's hinge point on the frame was positioned too far forward, causing the robot to easily tip over, especially during heavy lifting.
  • The original built-in hopper design was deemed inefficient. This was replaced with the aforementioned modular bed interface, but was not enough to save the overall design due to the previous issue.
  • The wheelbase generally struggles in lunar agility.

These insights have guided plans for design improvements in the next LAMP candidate.

For more information or to contribute to the development of the LAMP project, visit the team's GitHub page.