Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and Kajima Construction Co., Ltd. have released a demonstration work to build an unmanned manned base on the moon using an automated construction machine at the Kajima Construction Nishisho Experimental Field in Odawara City, Kanagawa Prefecture.This demonstration work is part of the results of joint research that JAXA and Kajima have been working with Shibaura Institute of Technology, The University of Electro-Communications, and Kyoto University since 2016 with the aim of establishing a base in space.
According to JAXA, this demonstration work was carried out with the image of constructing a manned base where a hole was dug in the lunar surface by remote control from the earth and a cylindrical habitation module was installed.The hydraulic excavator and carrier dump succeeded in automatically performing the work when the work procedure prepared in advance was remotely instructed from the operation room that looked like the earth.
The construction machine was equipped with a measuring instrument for the direction and position of the vehicle body and an automatic driving control device.Routine work such as excavation can be repeated, running between designated areas can be performed automatically, and fine adjustments can be made remotely.The results of the research were shown, such as the construction machines confirming each other's position and opening the way, and the soil being handed over smoothly.
JAXA says that excavation work to dig sand will be important for the construction of a manned base in the moon, and that the success of this demonstration work will be the first step to develop an unmanned base.
Kajima says that unmanned civil engineering technology will help not only space development but also productivity improvement in the construction industry and reduction of industrial accidents.
