The 2025-2026 TCNJ Lunabotics Team has opted to not pursue competition. As a first-time project at TCNJ, the team feels it would be best to create a strong foundation for future iterations of this Capstone Project.
Competition Guidelines
- Competition Events:
- Event 2: UCF Exolith Lab® Challenge (May 12–17, 2026) – field testing; top 10 advance.
- Event 3: NASA Kennedy Space Center Finals (May 19–21, 2026) – final construction runs in Artemis Arena.
- Robot Design Limits:
- Max size: 150 cm × 75 cm × 75 cm (may expand to 250 cm height during operation).
- Max mass: 80 kg (includes all robot subsystems).
- Must have 4 lifting points; one person per 20 kg to carry.
- No GPS, pneumatics with external gas, or hydraulics.
- Must include a clearly accessible E-STOP button (≥40 mm red COTS button).
- Must record energy use with a COTS data logger; improper wiring = 30-point penalty.
- Arena Setup:
- Location: Artemis Arena, Kennedy Space Center.
- Contains BP-1 lunar regolith simulant (~45 cm deep), rocks, and craters.
- Teams perform two construction runs; top scores determine ranking.
- PPE Requirements:
- N-95 mask, Tyvek suit with hood/booties, gloves, goggles.
- Clean-shaven for respirator fit.
- No loose clothing or open shoes.
- Operation Rules:
- Robots must pass Safety and Communications inspections before competing.
- May operate autonomously or by teleoperation.
- Must stay within arena bounds and avoid wall contact.
- Cannot alter regolith chemically or use ordnance/projectiles.
- Must build berms only from material in the excavation zone.
- Scoring Overview:
- Construction productivity (mass & energy normalized)
- Bandwidth efficiency (≤4 Mbps ideal)
- Dust tolerance and dust-free operation
- Autonomy performance
- Passing all inspections required for any score.
- Inspections & Conduct:
- Robots inspected before each run.
- Pit Boss oversees compliance and cleanup.
- Unsportsmanlike conduct or rule violations may lead to disqualification.