Purdue Lunabotics is currently working hard to finish our competition robot. This year, we have focused our efforts on designing an efficient robot that can dig deeper and work autonomously. Our excavation system has been improved to allow for about 6 in of deeper digging in order to reach some of the ice and gravel sitting beneath the lunar surface. Additionally, we have developed an autonomous system that allows our robot to scan the field in front of it and develop a path to follow that avoids craters and large rocks.
After this year’s efforts, we would like to take our robot to Kennedy Space Center, FL, to compete in the NASA Robotic Mining Competition. We are hoping to be able to fund 17 students to attend this incredible opportunity. With a 12 hour drive one-way and a weeklong competition stay in Florida, the financial aspects of the trip to competition has become more of a barrier than our robot innovations. Any donations toward reaching our goal of 17 students to Kennedy Space Center would be greatly appreciated! Help support us now then watch us compete live on NASA TV during the competition!