Simulation shows promise for gathering lunar samples

The team completed a sample collection task by controlling a virtual simulation, which then sent commands to a physical robot to mirror the simulation’s actions. They did so while monitoring the simulation without camera streams, making the tool particularly useful for delayed teleoperation on the Moon.

Several public and private organisations are researching how best to extract resources, such as oxygen and water, from readily available materials such as lunar regolith (moon dust).

Remote handling of regolith will be an essential step in these activities, as it would first need to be collected from the Moon’s surface. However, regolith is not easy to work with because it is sticky, abrasive, and will be handled under reduced gravity.

In a statement, lead author Joe Louca from Bristol’s School of Engineering Mathematics and Technology, and the Bristol Robotics Laboratory, said: “One option could be to have astronauts use this simulation to prepare for upcoming lunar exploration missions.