NASA challenge pits moon-digging robots against each other

Buoyed by the success of its recent astronaut glove challenge, NASA is now turning to some eager competitors to find the best robot to do the dirty work of digging regolith on the moon. According to Space.com, six teams are set to compete in the challenge this weekend, with a total of $250,000 in prize money (and more than few bragging rights) up for grabs. To take home some of that cash, the teams' robots will need to be able to collect at least 330 pounds of "mock moon dirt" in less than 30 minutes -- without any human assistance, of course. The robots themselves (one of which is seen above) must also not weigh more than 88 pounds or consume more than 30 watts of power. Unlike the glove competition, however, this one isn't a winner-take-all, with the first place finisher taking home $125,000, second place getting $75,000, and third-place snagging $50,000 -- if no one wins, the prize money gets added to next year's loot, so don't toss out those plans just yet.

[Via Gearlog]

[Mike @ May 11th 2007 7:48PM]

$150,000 + $75,000 + $50,000 = $250,000?

[Brad @ May 11th 2007 8:06PM]

Whoa! That's some really wrong info there. The challenge is much harder than engadget reports: 30 watts are allowed, not 30 kilowatts.

[Dan @ May 11th 2007 11:53PM]

It's time for Robo Trumble! I mean Robot Rumble... :-D

[Aaron @ May 12th 2007 2:21PM]

Wait, what are they going to do with the best robot? Film it on a stage somewhere digging up "moon" dirt?

Let's get to the moon first, shall we?

(I swear I'm not a paranoid conspiracy freak, but I don't buy the whole moon landing thing...)

[Andy @ May 12th 2007 2:44PM]

Good luck to them.

[Brad @ May 14th 2007 4:48PM]

CORRECTION: It has to use 30 Watts of power...not kilo. That's really what the challenge is about. Ideally you would want these robots to run off of a solar panel which can supply very little power.

[Tarry @ Aug 12th 2008 3:01AM]

This is great news!

http://www.chasetheglow.com