Robot to work on the moon : novel creation by WVU students
Settlement and colonization of the moon - sounds interesting isn't it? This topic has aroused a lot of panel discussions, has set forth a lot of creative imagination, has provided a lot many like us new wings of fantasy and has left most of us awe-struck. And when most of us are just wondering how is it going to be like staying in the moon and how is it going to be possible, some WVU students have come up with a little step only to take the possibilities a bit forward.
A Lunabotics team comprising of 15 engineering students of WVU have come up with a design of a remote-controlled robot that is capable of working on the moon. The robot can collect and dump heavy loads of simulated moon soil.
The students had been working hard on the project. After spending first few weeks on the design of the robot, they have recently started its construction. Initially the team used to spend at least 10 hours a week on the building process. But with the construction taking shape, the team feels that it may require increasing the hours to complete it in time.
The design intended to compete in NASA's second annual Lunabotics Mining Competition involves the idea of placing robots in place of astronauts in the moon to help prepare grounds for settlement, team leader Ben Knabenshue said.
Starting from the design of the excavation robot to the recently started construction, the team has been enjoying the project throughout and is very excited to participate in the competition. The project will be graded not only on technology but also on its design and outreach.
Advised by former astronaut and WVU graduate Jon McBride, the project having a $20,000 price tag will be competing against fifty three collegiate teams at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
So wish the WVU students all the luck for the NASA Competition for their success can give a bit of reality boost to our fantasy heading towards the moon.
Via: WBoy/TheDominionPost
