The Diggeridoos @ Virginia Tech
We student engineering team that designs, builds, tests, and compete an autonomous Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM).
What is Astrobotics?
The Diggeridoos is an interdisciplinary engineering design team. Our objective is to build a cost effective TBM capable of boring a 100ft tunnel with a 2ft diameter. Members can join the business, logistics, hardware, electronics, or software sub-teams all of which have their own challenges and contribute towards progress for the team.
Our team operates on a 1-year design cycle which means that at any given time, we have something going on. Members can expect to get involved in niche engineering fields such as hydraulic systems, high power distribution systems, and embedded system communications. We have a week-long competition in Bastrop, TX, during which we compete against other domestic and international teams and with engineers from The Boring Company to get our machine approved for tunneling and bore the 100ft tunnel on the last day.
During the semester, members are involved in mechanical, electrical, and software design of our machine which goes through multiple rounds of approvals by The Boring Company. During this, our business team is involved in outreach and raising funds to eventually purchase parts and equipment needed for the machine. Once design is approved, the team shifts to a build phase, followed by integration and testing.
Who can join?
Graduate and undergraduate students from COE are encouraged to join our engineering sub-teams. We also welcome students who are interested in marketing, fundraising, social media management, graphic design, and operations.
Recent Awards
Best Design Award 2021
Fast Facts
Team size: Around 30
Department Afiliation: Mechanical Engineering
Workshop: 1600 Innovation Dr, Room 120