Koormav

Koormav is a term used in speculative technology literature and world-building to denote a class of autonomous, modular mining drones designed to operate in swarms in harsh extraterrestrial environments. Koormav drones are conceived to perform prospecting, sampling, drilling, and material transport with redundancy and resilience provided by distributed control. The core idea emphasizes swarm intelligence: each unit follows simple local rules, shares sensor data with neighbors, and adapts to changing conditions without a centralized command.

Etymology and origin

The term is described in the fictional Xandari linguistic and engineering corpus, where “koor” is interpreted as together and “mav” as effort or work. The concept was popularized in mid-22nd-century technical treatises attributed to engineers such as Lira Voss, who outlined its collaborative, modular approach to resource extraction.

Design and operation

A typical koormav unit is a modular platform with a base chassis and detachable modules (drill, core sampler, hopper, manipulator). It carries an energy system and a mesh radio transceiver for inter-unit communication. Modules are swappable to adapt to mission needs. Swarm coordination relies on local communication, proximity sensing, and shared map fragments; path planning and task allocation emerge from local interactions rather than a central planner.

Deployment and applications

Koormav drones are envisioned for use on asteroid belts, lunar surfaces, and other low-atmosphere bodies, enabling continuous prospecting and extraction without extensive ground infrastructure. Missions emphasize cooperative resource identification, in-situ processing, and sample returns. Safety protocols include collision avoidance, geophysical impact control, and fail-safe redeployment.

Variants

Koormav-1 focuses on basic survey and sampling; Koormav-2 adds heavy drilling and material handling capabilities; Koormav-S prioritizes extended sensing and endurance.

See also: swarm robotics, modular drone systems.