Soft Robots for NASA Space Exploration
Disciplines
Engineering
Abstract (300 words maximum)
Technology allows humans to accomplish things faster, more efficiently, and it allows us to accomplish things that would be otherwise impossible without technology. As our society progresses, more complex problems and goals arise that require new innovations. Space exploration is an example of a field that grows with each technological innovation. This research project proposes the use of soft robots for space applications. Soft robots are designed to flexible and mimic human or animal behaviors to accomplish unique tasks. To begin designing these robots, our team had to first learn programming. Programming is the “brain” of the robot and the hardest part of making the robot. Our team used Robot Operating Systems (ROS) to program the different tasks and behavior of the robot. After making the “brain,” we used 3D printing to print the body of the robot. After developing the “brain” and body, we couple them to create an integrated system. We use an Arduino microcontroller to control the different parts of the robot such as the motor and sensors. We test our robot to make sure it meets the requirements and operates in harsh environments with minimal dependency on the user. Our final design is an autonomous robot that is able to navigate independently and detect objects to avoid a collision.
Academic department under which the project should be listed
SPCEET - Engineering Technology
Primary Investigator (PI) Name
Turaj Ashuri
Soft Robots for NASA Space Exploration
Technology allows humans to accomplish things faster, more efficiently, and it allows us to accomplish things that would be otherwise impossible without technology. As our society progresses, more complex problems and goals arise that require new innovations. Space exploration is an example of a field that grows with each technological innovation. This research project proposes the use of soft robots for space applications. Soft robots are designed to flexible and mimic human or animal behaviors to accomplish unique tasks. To begin designing these robots, our team had to first learn programming. Programming is the “brain” of the robot and the hardest part of making the robot. Our team used Robot Operating Systems (ROS) to program the different tasks and behavior of the robot. After making the “brain,” we used 3D printing to print the body of the robot. After developing the “brain” and body, we couple them to create an integrated system. We use an Arduino microcontroller to control the different parts of the robot such as the motor and sensors. We test our robot to make sure it meets the requirements and operates in harsh environments with minimal dependency on the user. Our final design is an autonomous robot that is able to navigate independently and detect objects to avoid a collision.