Aalborg University has conducted several tests with space robots, including in various collaborations with the European Space Agency (ESA). The university is now planning to build a lunar rover, which is intended to be launched within 5–10 years. Photos: ESA and Team LuMA (C) Aalborg University (Handout)
Aalborg University develops robot for the Moon
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Aalborg University is working on developing a self-driving robot that is to be sent to the Moon within 5–10 years to explore and utilize resources. The project is intended to contribute to future lunar bases, where robots are expected to play a central role.
“If we are to stay up there in a sustainable way, we cannot bring everything from Earth. We need to use the resources that are already on the Moon. And that requires robots,” says associate professor Simon Bøgh from AAU.
The first prototype is expected to be ready for testing on May 1 this year in a simulated lunar environment. The robot must be able to operate autonomously under extreme conditions, including large temperature fluctuations, radiation, and lunar dust.
“On the Moon, you cannot control a robot with a joystick in real time. It has to be able to make decisions on its own using artificial intelligence, and that is also something we are developing,” says Simon Bøgh.
The project involves both researchers and students and is carried out in collaboration with, among others, the European Space Agency.