Field Testing of the BioBot Concept

Under NIAC funding, the University of Maryland started a program to investigate the BioBot concept. Current Artemis mass allocations for the lunar surface pressure suit system are approximately twice the mass of the Apollo A7L-B pressure garment and portable life support system (PLSS) backpack. The BioBot concept was to develop a lightweight highly capable rover to support the astronaut, and particularly to carry the bulk of the life support system separate from the pressure garment. An autonomous manipulator on the rover would provide umbilical tending within five meters of the rover (ten meters for the Moon) while the rover autonomously follows the crew during longer traverses of exploration EVAs. During the NIAC Phase 2, the team completed the Earth analogue versions of the BioBot system and began analogue testing. During these tests, the rover provides ride-on mobility for the test subject, who is wearing an MX-D spacesuit simulator. The umbilical supplies ventilation air and power to the suit, via a chest-mounted quick disconnect which allows the subject to make and break connections at will during the EVA. A suit-mounted life support system is provided and scaled in volume and mass to the allotted duration of its life support capability. Tests have focused on how test subjects use the ability to switch back and forth to independent mobility mode, and what the appropriate design duration is for the suit-mounted life support system. Tests have also investigated an alternative mode for this split life support system, in which the local umbilical and five meter manipulator are removed in favor of a short umbilical only used while the subject is seated on the rover, allowing a recharge of the suit-mounted life support system during driving. Results to date are presented, along with plans for further development of the BioBot concept.