Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) is delving into the realm of space robotics, gearing up to revolutionize in-space assembly, manufacturing, and maintenance (ISAM) capabilities. This groundbreaking venture will take center stage at the 38th Space Symposium in Colorado Springs, happening from April 8 to 11. You can catch SwRI’s Intelligent Systems Division showcasing its cutting-edge ISAM research at Booth #237.
Their Space Robotics Center is the heart of this endeavor, featuring an air-bearing table that mimics low-gravity conditions. Here, engineers put robot applications through their paces, preparing them for deployment in the zero-gravity environment of space.
Meera Towler, a Senior Research Engineer at SwRI, emphasizes their focus on blending Earth-based industrial robotics with advanced automation and simulation. This fusion aims to equip clients with the tools necessary to tackle the challenges of space exploration head-on.
The Space Symposium serves as a convergence point for global leaders to strategize and pave the way for the future of space exploration. Among the aspirations is the development of agile vehicles capable of ferrying materials and parts into space for robotic manufacturing and assembly. Establishing test beds on Earth and the Moon, alongside research facilities on the lunar surface, is a pivotal step towards realizing ISAM’s potential.
SwRI’s space robotics research spans various domains, including high-fidelity simulation, enhanced perception, extraterrestrial automated driving, and robotic manipulation in space. Their Space Robotics Center boasts state-of-the-art equipment, including a seven-degree-of-freedom robot arm and a motion capture system, facilitating comprehensive research endeavors.
Dr. Steve Dellenback, Vice President of the Intelligent Systems Division at SwRI, expresses excitement about sharing their research and development projects with the space community. These initiatives aim to bridge the gap between current Earth-based industrial robots and the forthcoming ISAM ecosystem, where advanced automation will shape the future of space infrastructure.
From robotics simulation for space-based motion planning to employing vision systems for lunar rovers, SwRI is at the forefront of innovation. Their research spans diverse applications, including cave exploration using unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and evaluating alternative technologies like stereovision for off-road autonomy.
Furthermore, SwRI is pushing the boundaries of space computing with projects involving FPGA computing and exploring the potential of RISC-V/ARM processors for faster and more energy-efficient space computing.
In essence, SwRI’s Intelligent Systems Division stands as a beacon of innovation in the realm of systems engineering, software development, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence solutions, paving the way for the next frontier in space exploration.