Q&A for LOOK

  1. Communication with "Norway Lunar Brain"

  • We are expecting a specification from KSAT soon regarding communication interface such as parameters, protocols and other requirements for communication. There will probably be a bandwidth restriction for transfer of data. We will share information when available

  • The rover will be purely autonomous in this task. Later we may allow for remote control with a 3 second delay (as light speed takes about three seconds to and from the moon).

  • It will be alowed to use UWB-sensores in the arena to serve as reference points to help the robot navigate (to simulate satellites)

    2. Arena surface and lighting

  • Teams are not allowed to be inside the container during the competition run, not because the moon dust is toxic, but because the robot has to manage on its own. There will be camera(s) filming the robot arena and the team can follow it from the outside. If the robot gets stuck, the team can retrieve the robot.

  • The main consistency of the lunar arena surface (container) will be gravel and dust (regolith) with a couple of boulders.

  • The other obstacle course will be gravel or sand to test the robot's ability to navigate and maneuver

  • The lightning of the Lunar arena will be twofold. Moon daytime simulation: very sharp light, pitch dark sky with one bright Sun. The shadows will be very dark with sharp edges. Moon nighttime simulation: A bluish "earth" light will give a smoother but darker light of the Moon area.  

   3. Obstacles & Objects

  • There will be a couple of boulders as fixed static obstacles on the surface in addition to metal objects for the robot to identify

  • The (average) size of the obstacles are not yet decided since the area is under construction. 

   4.  Mapping definition and expected output

  • Your team decide on the mapping of the area. It could include 2D coverage, 2.5D height map or a full 3D map. The better mapping, the more points.

  • The surface/material type is important in the mapping task and the arena will contain some metallic objects that we want the robot to identify, either by photo or by spectrograph, if available. 

   5. Testing and calibration

  • The teams will not be allowed to see the arena before the competition. There will be two attempts during the competition, one in Moon daylight, one in Moon nightlight, both lasting maximum 15 minutes. We also encourage teams not to reveal any details after your run to the other teams. It’s a competition, collaboration is for later!

  • It is yet to be determined if there will be time for final sensor calibrations (if needed). We want all robots and all teams to succeed and to learn as much as possible. If calibration of sensors is possible, we will try to make space for that.

   6.  Timing

  • After first movement the 15-minute countdown begins.

   7.  Sponsorship

  • We aim for LOOK partners and sponsors to offer support for participating teams in some form, such as discounted components, technical materials or mentoring. The program committee is continuously working on this; however we do encourage each teams to look for local sponsors.