ReCoBot II

On-Orbit Reconfiguration of Modular Satellites

Start: 10/2021

End: 03/2024

The increasing use of satellites for data collection and communication—while leading to ever-improving resolution, accuracy, and speed—is also exacerbating the problem of space debris. Some satellites are no longer needed. Whether defective or technologically obsolete, they cannot yet be disposed of properly and therefore remain in their respective orbits for long periods of time. A modular satellite concept could drastically reduce space debris and the resulting collision hazards. The FZI’s solution: a mobile robotic arm for maintenance of modular satellites.

The ReCoBot is a seven-axis robotic arm. Thanks to its mirror-symmetrical design, it can move like a caterpillar across a modular satellite surface. To do so, it has a standardized interface at both ends. Thanks to its autonomous mobility and the ability to dock with the modules, the arm can repair and reconfigure a satellite. This opens up new possibilities for in-orbit servicing. Maintaining satellites in orbit by human personnel is neither realistic nor economically viable, so a technical, automated approach is required.

The robotic arm was designed and developed as part of the predecessor project. Initially, the focus was exclusively on the feasibility of the physical requirements (reach, payload capacity, etc.) under terrestrial conditions.

In ReCoBot II, the concept was refined. The focus was on investigating the qualification of individual components for space use. The robotic arm incorporated various components that must function smoothly in space to ensure the overall system’s operability. Various qualification tests were conducted, and the insights gained from them were incorporated into the robot design as the project progressed. In addition to assessing the robotic arm’s suitability for space use, the project aimed to further optimize the robot’s kinematics.

The developed technology can also be applied to other use cases, such as hard-to-reach environments like bridges or utility poles. The ability to climb along structures is unique to this type of robot. This closes a gap in the range of tasks robots can perform.

Role of the FZI

The goal of this follow-up project was to further develop the robotic arm from the previous ReCoBot project and, at the same time, to expand it with a tool that enables joint handling. In addition, the project aimed to provide an initial assessment and analysis of the suitability of the components used.

This included:
– ROS 2 for a future-proof framework
– Application-specific optimization of kinematics and lightweight construction for minimal weight during a rocket launch
– Development of technologies for specific tasks

Contact person

Johannes Mangler

Staff

Division: Intelligent Systems and Production Engineering

+49 721 9654-204

mangler@fzi.de

Headquarters Karlsruhe

Research focus

Robotics

We develop mobile systems and autonomous walking robots for use in space travel, industry, and public spaces. We put them to the test in the FZI Living Lab Service Robotics.

To the research focus