In context
As lunar exploration advances, acquiring soil cores that preserve original stratification is critical for assessing resources. Existing samplers, from the Apollo impact devices to Chang'e-5's rotary-impact drill, typically operate in a single mode, limiting their adaptability to the Moon's varied terrain.
What was reported
Researchers at Shenzhen University designed a multi-mode lunar soil coring robot that integrates four coring modes: in-line, impact-through, single-rotation, and rotary-impact. The robot can switch modes based on surface conditions, with a modular structure comprising a rotary-impact drive module and an auxiliary coordinate robot module for lifting, clamping, and turntable functions.
Performance experiments on simulated lunar soil showed that the robot switches freely among modes. In impact-through mode, coring rate peaks at an impact frequency of 15 Hz. Single-rotation mode increases coring rate with speed but damages the sample's bedding structure. Rotary-impact mode offers the best overall performance, improving coring rate, reducing coring time, and lowering reverse torque.
The impact unit uses a cylindrical cam with a modified sine curve for smooth motion, achieving a maximum single impact energy of 7.09 J. The rotation unit provides speeds up to 300 r/min and torque of at least 16 N·m. Drill pipes are changed offline based on geological assessments.
Why it mattered
This work addresses a key gap in lunar sampling by enabling a single robot to handle diverse geological conditions, potentially improving sample integrity and mission flexibility. The design principles and performance data offer a reference for future lunar coring robots and automated sampling systems in extreme environments.
The rotary impact mode has significant advantages in improving the coring rate, shortening the coring time and reducing the reverse torque.
Source: 《机器人》期刊 (robot.sia.cn) · Published 2025-11-19 · “多模式月壤取芯机器人的设计及性能分析”