NASA tests 80-pound student-built robot designed to mine soil for Artemis moon bases

University of Virginia students built and field-tested an 80-pound robot for NASA’s Lunabotics Challenge.

The robot is designed to dig simulated lunar soil, haul it across rough terrain, and dump it to build protective berms.

The tests were done in sand ahead of competition at Kennedy Space Center.

The project points to low-cost robotics that could support future Artemis missions, moon-base construction, and protection for habitats and equipment.