Project Archives
Project Archives
A modular robotic construction project for NASA's eXploration Habitat (X-Hab) Academic Innovation Challenge where we worked with NASA experts to design a hangar-like structure built from modular "L-Truss" segments. We successfully load tested a scale version and completed to-scale partial robotic assembly.
2021-2023: NASA Break The Ice Lunar Permafrost Mining Challenge, Phases 1 and 2
Phase 1
Designed a robot to mine lunar permafrost from permanently shadowed craters and haul water to a habitat. Won a $25,000 prize for the Phase 1 proposal, funding subsequent development. UAF Team Wins Prize
Phase 2
Developed a 60 kg mining robot (Excahauler) capable of excavating and transporting over 250 kg of lunar permafrost simulant. This robot was tested during a 15-day durability demonstration (footage of our test). Currently focusing on automating the prototype for robust lunar mining operations.
2019: Caterpillar Robotic Mining Competition
Constructed a robot to excavate "icy regolith" beneath 30 cm of packed dust. Awarded the "Lightest Robot" despite using a steel frame, thanks to careful finite element analysis. Gained experience with TIG welding for both the frame and mining buckets. More details
2016: NASA Robotic Mining Competition
Developed a new approach for lightweight, 3D-printed tracks used to excavate fluffy basalt dust lunar regolith simulant. The polypropylene straps were lightweight, impact-resistant, and durable. NASA Robotic Mining Competition
2014: NASA Robotic Mining Competition
Designed a robot for excavating a thin layer of lunar regolith simulant. Won the "Judges' Innovation Award" for an unfolding wheel design and a computer vision-based localization approach. Invited to the PISCES robotics competition in Hawaii. NASA Space Grant