LAYLA Robot Charger

Early-stage robotic charging system developed by the Aurora Robotics Lab (UAF).

Overview

The LAYLA Charger was a university-developed proof‑of‑concept autonomous charging system for mobile robots. Designed between 2014–2020, its goal was to enable unattended docking and charging via a magnetic, self-aligning interface in field environments.

Technical Concept

Docking Interface: Magnetic “drive‑up” connectors that guided robots into position for charging without human assistance.
Dust Tolerance: Designed to operate in outdoor and dusty conditions, including simulation of lunar or Martian dust.
Autonomous Alignment: Initially passive alignment with optional sensor integration for improved reliability.
Cycle Durability: Engineering goal of supporting multiple docking cycles with stable power connection.

Development History

Initiated within Aurora Robotics Lab under Dr. Orion Lawlor.
Prototyped for road-testing with field robots (e.g. Break the Ice and X-Hab platforms).
Used in multi-year internal tests (2014–2020), warranting inclusion in subsequent X-Hab proposals.

Legacy and Impact

Served as conceptual foundation for the autonomous rover charger in the NASA X-Hab 2026 proposal.
Informed design of magnetic and metal-to-metal alignment features later used in Excahauler attachments.
Highlighted the engineering challenges of environmental sealing, connector wear, and autonomous precision.

Current Status

The system did not advance to full deployment but remains part of academic documentation and guided later project directions. No formal publications or NASA submissions specifically address LAYLA, though it is referenced in internal launch material and subsequent proposals.

References

Internal Aurora Robotics Lab records
Acknowledged in NASA X-Hab 2026 autonomous rover charger proposal