SUPERBOTS ON THE LUNAR SURFACE: MINI-MOBILE INVESTIGATION SYSTEM (MINI-MIS).

Abstract

Introduction: SuperBots are autonomous robotic modules that can self-reconfigure into different systems for different tasks [1]. An elegant example of design for reuse they can reduce cost and payload mass of a mission while enhancing performance, reliability, and safety. SuperBot modules and systems can be used to accomplish an enormous range of tasks [e.g. 2,3]. The Mini-MIS concept: One particularly appealing nearand long-term application is to use SuperBots as small, inexpensive, highly capable mobile platforms for science investigations. We call the concept Mini-Mobile Investigation System (MiniMIS). The fundamental idea is that sets of 8 to 10 SuperBot modules would reconfigure to form a mobile platform with a specialized science or exploration device included inside a module or attached as a separate specialized module. The module set (Mini-MIS) would be able to reconfigure itself depending on the mobility or instrument deployment needs: wheels (for efficient travel), spiders or centipedes (for climbing), snakes (for burrowing), towers for communications (Fig. 1).