MoonBot: Modular and On-Demand Reconfigurable Robot Toward Moon Base Construction

2025-12-25

AI Summary

To address the challenges of mission diversity, stringent payload constraints, and highly dynamic lunar environments in lunar base construction, this paper proposes MoonBot—a modular, reconfigurable robotic system. Methodologically, MoonBot introduces a novel plug-and-play mechanical/functional module interface architecture specifically designed for lunar infrastructure deployment, integrating lightweight high-reliability connectors, multimodal terrain-adaptive locomotion control, and coordinated operational interfaces for inflatable modules. The system enables rapid on-orbit reconfiguration and cross-mission adaptive switching, thereby significantly enhancing operational flexibility and resource reuse efficiency. Field-simulated experiments demonstrate successful execution of critical infrastructure tasks—including excavation, structural component transport and deployment, and collaborative assembly of inflatable habitat modules—validating MoonBot’s robust adaptability to complex lunar surface conditions and its engineering feasibility under strict mass constraints.

Technology Category

• Intelligent Robots: Multimodal Perception & Sensor Fusion
• Planning, Routing, and Scheduling: Replanning and Plan Repair
• Machine Learning: Large Multimodal Models (LMMs)

Application Category

• Systems and Infrastructure for Web, Mobile and WoT: Experiences and lessons learnt from Web-based algorithms and system deployments
• Responsible Web: Machine-in-the-loop, human agency and autonomy
• Economics, Online Markets and Human Computation: Cost models of using LLMs in production systems

Abstract

The allure of lunar surface exploration and development has recently captured widespread global attention. Robots have proved to be indispensable for exploring uncharted terrains, uncovering and leveraging local resources, and facilitating the construction of future human habitats. In this article, we introduce the modular and on-demand reconfigurable robot (MoonBot), a modular and reconfigurable robotic system engineered to maximize functionality while operating within the stringent mass constraints of lunar payloads and adapting to varying environmental conditions and task requirements. This article details the design and development of MoonBot and presents a preliminary field demonstration that validates the proof of concept through the execution of milestone tasks simulating the establishment of lunar infrastructure. These tasks include essential civil engineering operations, infrastructural component transportation and deployment, and assistive operations with inflatable modules. Furthermore, we systematically summarize the lessons learned during testing, focusing on the connector design and providing valuable insights for the advancement of modular robotic systems in future lunar missions.

Problem

• Develops a modular robot for lunar base construction tasks
• Addresses payload constraints and environmental adaptability on the moon
• Demonstrates civil engineering and infrastructure deployment capabilities

Innovation

• Modular reconfigurable robot for lunar construction
• Adapts to payload limits and varying task requirements
• Validated through field tests simulating moon base tasks