POLISH INNOVATIONS IN SPACE

The prototype the mobile platform by KRIM AGH

Over the recent years, ability to analyse rock samples from the subterranean zone has gained increased importance in astronomical examination and other planets exploration.  It is necessary to use special drilling machines designed for sampling procedure.  A mobile core-drill intended to work in extreme conditions is put on show at the INNO-TECH Expo.  This system is ready to operate in space environment, especially when the system weight, low energy consumption and the autonomous operation possibility are extremely important.

The mobile core-drill has been developed in three research-centres collaboration:  the Polish Academy of Sciences' Space Research Center, the Department of Robotics and Mechatronics, WIMiR, AGH and the Department of Drilling and Geoengineering, WWNiG, AGH. 

How does a mobile core-drill work?

The system has been divided into three subsystems with specific mission functionalities (Figure 2): MR (Mobile Robot) SM (Support Module) DR (Drilling Module)

System parameters: drilling depth up to 2 m with the hole diameter if 30 mm, 25 mm core, system weight 22-26 kg; it can take up to 40 sample, autonomous battery-powered operation

The MR subsystem is responsible for the drilling unit transportation to the workplace as well as for the support mechanism SM levelling. The MR module also contains the on-board computer and the power unit.  The DR subsystem is responsible for exploratory borehole and the core storage during transportation to the tray.  SM subsystem is responsible for mobile drilling device anchoring, the drilling mechanism positioning and samples storage during transportation to the base.