Autonomous Systems and Robotics (A)

Summary. The sub-architecture that pairs crew with robots: robots take the tedious, repetitive or hazardous work, keep things running while no crew is present, and scout ahead of crewed missions (ADD Rev C, p. 41). It has no element in Rev C, yet 13 technology gaps list it, more than any other sub-architecture, and six of them are named in the Moon Base Users Guide (near-term). The guide's Phase 1 "Autonomous systems and robotics" group has seven functional gaps. Decomposition letter: A.

NASA's description

"This sub-architecture integrates the unique and complementary capabilities of humans and robotic systems to maximize crew efficiency, provide needed capabilities during uncrewed mission phases, and expand exploration, science, and utilization opportunities across the architecture.

Robots are not only well suited to tedious, highly repetitive, or hazardous tasks, but can also augment the abilities of human explorers through tailored suites of instruments or capabilities. This assistance enables crew to focus on higher-priority activities and improves safety without sacrificing operational effectiveness or mission reach.

Mobile robotics can also improve access to areas of scientific interest; asset handling, repositioning, and utilization; logistics management; and infrastructure assembly, outfitting, and maintenance. They also enable robotic reconnaissance (e.g., scouting, surveying, mapping, collecting samples) in advance of crewed missions." (ADD Rev C, p. 41)

In the segments

The segment sections don't name this sub-architecture, but robotic and uncrewed operations run through them (ADD Rev C):

• Foundational Exploration. The "Robotic Uncrewed Operations" reference mission: surface assets "will likely spend most of the year uncrewed", with "autonomous, local tele-operations, or Earth-based remote operations" for cargo unloading, logistics transfers, sample collection and landing-site scouting or preparation (p. 29). The "Cislunar Orbit Only" mission has crew in lunar orbit doing "near–real-time robotic teleoperations" (p. 30). Operations objectives include "developing methods of working with robotic systems (OP-9, OP-10)" (p. 28). Two areas of future work: "Operating assets and maintaining asset health during uncrewed periods" and "Maximizing opportunities for uncrewed operations" (p. 32).
• Sustained Lunar Evolution. "robotic servicing" is among the technologies and services for which to expand demand signals (p. 36).
• Humans to Mars. "systems that pair human and robotic explorers (TH-10)" (p. 38).

See Foundational Exploration.

Elements

None. No Rev C element is assigned to this sub-architecture in the segment tables (pp. 26, 31–32); see the elements index.

Technology gaps

13 gaps list this sub-architecture (derived from the tech gaps spreadsheet, Sub-Architectures column, where it is "Autonomous Systems & Robotics"). MB = named in the Moon Base Users Guide (near-term).

Gap	Rating	MB
#0301 Systems to Survive Extended Lunar Shadow	3	MB
#0806 Payload Offloading, Handling, and Manipulation	7	MB
#0805 Autonomous Surface Mobility and Navigation	8
#1001 High-performance Actuators, Sensors, and Interfaces	14	MB
#1003 Fault/Anomaly Diagnosis, Decision Support, and Response	18
#0804 Robotic and Mobility Systems in Extreme Cold	19	MB
#0808 Relocation of Large Assets	25
#1005 Safe Human-Robot Interaction and Teaming	28
#0504 Autonomous Lunar Surface Structure Assembly and Construction	30	MB
#1004 Trustworthy Autonomy for Planning and Decision-making	33
#1002 Autonomous Monitoring	34
#0501 Robotic Inspection, Maintenance, and Repair	36
#0605 Lunar Regolith Excavation, Manipulation, and Transportation	53	MB

Moon Base Phase 1

The Users Guide's "Autonomous systems and robotics" group: "Software and hardware to assist crews and develop and maintain the Moon Base during uncrewed periods" (Users Guide, p. 8). It has seven functional gaps: five FN-A functions and two FN-M (Mobility) functions for unloading and repositioning cargo. One FN-A function, FN-A-103 L (robotic reconnaissance), sits in the guide's Mobility group instead. Capability targets include unloading and manipulating 10 kg cargo, site preparation and remote cable mating. Full list: Phase 1 functional gaps.

Related pages

Sub-architectures · Mobility Systems · Human Systems · Data Systems and Management · Foundational Exploration · Gaps index

Sources

ADD Rev C, pp. 26, 28–32, 36, 38, 40–41 · Tech gaps spreadsheet · Users Guide, pp. 8, 10