Soft Robotics in NASA Space Exploration
Disciplines
Robotics
Abstract (300 words maximum)
Exploring space has always been extremely risky and treacherous for human astronauts. This is the reason why in recent times, robots have instead been sent for space exploration purposes. An issue with most robots, however, is that it is hard for them to navigate in chaotic and ever-changing environments. A potential solution to this is using soft robotics. Soft robotics is a subdivision of robotics that is involved with the development of robots that can move like biological creatures. The purpose of this research is to better understand and develop soft robots that are able to withstand harsh environments and give information to humans. Therefore this project will be contributing to the community by making a tool for which explorers can use before venturing out in person. To gain further insight into the development of soft robots that can be used in difficult terrain and harsh environments, especially those in outer space, we will begin designing a soft robot. The first step is using 3d-printing technology to develop a body for the robot. The body will be designed with soft robotics in mind. That is to say that the design will have certain resemblances to biological creatures in order to have a more sophisticated movement. The next step is to use a microcontroller, Arduino to be specific, to actually code the robot. The primary language we will be using is Robot Operating System 2, otherwise known as ROS 2. After this, we will model the robot in a simulator to see its reactions to said harsh environment. The expected final result of this project is a prototype that has the capability of being useful in extreme environments. This research goes over the steps necessary to understand and build soft robots with the intent on exploring harsh environments in space.
Academic department under which the project should be listed
SPCEET - Engineering Technology
Primary Investigator (PI) Name
Turaj Ashuri
Soft Robotics in NASA Space Exploration
Exploring space has always been extremely risky and treacherous for human astronauts. This is the reason why in recent times, robots have instead been sent for space exploration purposes. An issue with most robots, however, is that it is hard for them to navigate in chaotic and ever-changing environments. A potential solution to this is using soft robotics. Soft robotics is a subdivision of robotics that is involved with the development of robots that can move like biological creatures. The purpose of this research is to better understand and develop soft robots that are able to withstand harsh environments and give information to humans. Therefore this project will be contributing to the community by making a tool for which explorers can use before venturing out in person. To gain further insight into the development of soft robots that can be used in difficult terrain and harsh environments, especially those in outer space, we will begin designing a soft robot. The first step is using 3d-printing technology to develop a body for the robot. The body will be designed with soft robotics in mind. That is to say that the design will have certain resemblances to biological creatures in order to have a more sophisticated movement. The next step is to use a microcontroller, Arduino to be specific, to actually code the robot. The primary language we will be using is Robot Operating System 2, otherwise known as ROS 2. After this, we will model the robot in a simulator to see its reactions to said harsh environment. The expected final result of this project is a prototype that has the capability of being useful in extreme environments. This research goes over the steps necessary to understand and build soft robots with the intent on exploring harsh environments in space.