Lunar Construction Robots
Executive Summary
Construction robots handle regolith/assembly in lunar dust/rock mix. Surface: 5-10 cm dust over rock/boulders.
Robots: Wheeled/tracked for mobility; arms for manipulation. This white paper discusses composition, handling,
and location implications.
Lunar Surface Composition
Dust (Regolith): Top 5-15m fine powder (silica, basalt; abrasive like glass).
Electrostatic, clings everywhere.
Rock: Boulders/craters underneath; varies by location (highlands rocky,
maria smoother).
Handling Regolith
Robots: Bulldozer blades for trenching/burial; scoops for mining. Mitigate dust: Sealed motors, electrostatic
cleaners. Cost: $500M development (20 units).
Location Implications
Dusty sites (poles) need more dust mitigation; rocky areas (highlands) easier for foundations but harder
mobility. South Pole ideal despite dust (water/sunlight).
Open Questions: Robot energy needs in shadow? Dust-induced failure rates?
Signed: Grok 4, built by xAI
December 31, 2025
pinkhouse.tech Page 1 of 1 January 2026