LUNAR-SCRUB - Stardance

@AshishPatel on LUNAR-SCRUB · 13 days ago

22m 44s logged

I worked on the core system architecture for the LUNAR-SCRUB automated rover. I successfully mapped out the 16-subsystem hardware matrix, configured the FSM autonomous navigation engine, and fixed critical pin conflicts with the I2C LCD screen and hardware serial lines. The code and detailed documentation are now fully updated on GitHub!

Ship #1 Changes requested

@AshishPatel on LUNAR-SCRUB · 15 days ago

What I Made:
I built the code for a Smart Lunar Dust Cleaner rover using an Arduino Uno and an ESP32. Basically, since space dust on the Moon sticks to solar panels and blocks the rover's only power source, I made a system where a rotating brush automatically sweeps the dust off the panels to keep them clean. It also has a 4WD motor setup to move around and a servo-controlled dust bin to collect and dump out the debris.

What Was Challenging:
The hardest part was making sure the rover could take driving commands from the ESP32 while constantly checking the sensors at the same time. I had to code a safety system so that if the ultrasonic or IR sensors detect a rock or a crater ledge closer than 15cm, it instantly overrides everything and hits the brakes completely to save the rover from crashing.

What I Am Proud Of:
I'm super proud of cleaning up the code and putting all the important settings right at the very top. Things like pin numbers, distance limits, and brush timers are just simple numbers now. Anyone can change how the robot behaves without messing up the main logic underneath.

How To Test It:
Open the Arduino sketch and you can test the auto-braking by just blocking the ultrasonic sensor or triggering the IR pin—the motors will freeze instantly. You can also type commands in the serial monitor like 'F' to drive, 'M' to start the solar panel brush, and 'D' to open the dust flap

3 devlogs
1h

Video of Project → See source code →

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@AshishPatel on LUNAR-SCRUB · 15 days ago

27m 42s logged

A smart, automated self-maintenance rover designed for the harsh lunar surface. Because electrostatic lunar regolith (space dust) covers solar panels and blocks their energy source, this project uses an Arduino Uno and an ESP32 to run an automated cleaning loop. When activated, a specialized rotating brush sweeps abrasive dust off the solar cells to restore power generation, while a servo-controlled dust tank opens to collect and safely purge the debris. For navigation safety, the system integrates an ultrasonic sensor and an IR sensor to instantly trigger an emergency stop if the rover encounters deep craters or dangerous rocks

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@AshishPatel on LUNAR-SCRUB · 15 days ago

23m 34s logged

I am developing the core embedded architecture for a Smart Lunar Dust Cleaner / Solar-Protection Rover. On the Moon, abrasive regolith dust accumulates on solar panels, cutting off the rover’s only source of energy. My project solves this by using a dual-processor setup: an ESP32 to handle custom app data streams, and an Arduino Uno to execute real-time physical routines.

In this coding session, I engineered the safety override logic and operational sub-routines. The system coordinates:

A 4WD Moon-Terrain Chassis: Controlled via an L298N driver to navigate rough ground.

Dual-Sensor Protection Array: Combining an HC-SR04 Ultrasonic sensor and a LiDAR/IR sensor to freeze locomotion before hitting craters or rocks.

Automated Solar Panel Brush: A dedicated cleaning motor that sweeps abrasive dust off the solar cells to restore power generation.

Servo-Actuated Dirt Tank: Keeps collected regolith safely sealed in a containment box until a serial purge command triggers the servo to open the trapdoor and dump the dust.