Southwest Research Institute Invests in Space Robotics for In-Space Servicing, Assembly and Manufacturing Innovations at the 38th Space Symposium
Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) is leading the way in developing new space robotics capabilities to support in-space servicing, assembly, and manufacturing (ISAM) initiatives. With a focus on leveraging Earth-based industrial robotics with advanced automation and simulation, SwRI is helping to pave the way for a future where robots play a crucial role in building and maintaining infrastructure in space.
At the recent 38th Space Symposium in Colorado Springs, SwRI showcased its latest research and technologies in space robotics. One of the key demonstrations featured at the event was a simulation of a robotic arm following a predefined trajectory on an air-bearing table, mimicking the microgravity conditions of space. This simulation is part of SwRI’s efforts to develop solutions for complex space environments and support the vision of an agile space industry with vehicles capable of deploying materials for robotic manufacturing and assembly.
SwRI’s research in space robotics covers a wide range of areas, including high-fidelity simulation, advanced perception, robotic manipulation in space, and extraterrestrial automated driving. The newly established Space Robotics Center at SwRI is equipped with state-of-the-art tools and technologies, including an air-bearing table, motion capture system, and a seven degree-of-freedom robot arm, to support this research.
One of the key focus areas of SwRI’s research is developing software and modeling tools to help robots plan motion for complex on-orbit conditions. The team is also exploring efficient low-power vision systems for lunar rovers and small aerial systems to enable autonomous navigation in extraterrestrial environments.
In addition to showcasing their research at the Space Symposium, SwRI highlighted several ongoing projects in the field of space robotics, including space-based robot motion planning, localization for lunar rovers, camera vision for cave exploration, and more. These projects demonstrate SwRI’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of space robotics and advancing the capabilities of robotic systems in space.
As Dr. Steve Dellenback, Vice President of SwRI’s Intelligent Systems Division, aptly puts it, “We are excited to share these R&D projects with the space community to help bridge the gap between today’s power-hungry, Earth-based industrial robots and the near-future ISAM ecosystem where advanced automation will help build the next generation of space infrastructure.”
With their cutting-edge research and innovative solutions, SwRI is playing a crucial role in shaping the future of space exploration and paving the way for a new era of space robotics. To learn more about SwRI’s space robotics initiatives, visit https://spacerobotics.swri.org. The sky is not the limit when it comes to space robotics, and SwRI is leading the charge towards a future where robots will play a vital role in shaping the space industry.