This document discusses a case study on the integration of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) on Mars rovers. It first provides background on space robotics and discusses challenges in designing robots for space like withstanding zero gravity and thermal vacuums. It then examines the structures of space robots including their joints, arms, wrists, and grippers. Specific examples of space robots are described like the shuttle robot arm and rovers on Mars. The case study focuses on how MEMS have been implemented on later Mars rovers to help enable scientific exploration of the planet. In conclusion, robots have played a huge role in space research by performing dangerous tasks and making discoveries in place of humans.
1. Case study on MEMS Integration on Mars rovers
A Technical Seminar on “SPACE ROBOTICS” in partial fulfillment for
the award of degree Masters in Technology - Aerospace Engineering
2. Contents
Wednesday, August 10, 2016 2SPACE ROBOTICS
Introduction
What is Space Research & Space Robotics ?
Space Robot-Challenges in Design and Testing
Structure of Space Robots
Operation
Case Study of MEMS on Mars Rovers
Conclusion
Reference
Astronaut & Robonaut
3. Wednesday, August 10, 2016 3SPACE ROBOTICS
• Space Robotics is the development of machines for the space environment that
perform Exploration, or to Assemble/Construct, Maintain, or Service other
hardware in Space.
• Humans generally control space robots locally (e.g. Space Shuttle robotic arm)
or from a great distance (e.g. Mars Exploration Rovers)
• Robotics is a field that has been magnified by its association to space research.
• The most important thing to note is that the scale of success in space systems is
same as that for biological systems i.e., “SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST”
Introduction
4. What is Space Research & Robotics?
“SPACE”, the word itself signifies something infinite.
Space travel has always been dangerous and any unexpected event
can cause death.
It is here that the robots play a huge role and help mankind in his
research process.
Development of machines for the space environment.
Usually controlled by humans.
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5. Evolution of robots
SHAKEY (1966-1972):
It is based on the SPA (sense, plan and action) algorithm. It is used in
built world modules to match and worked accordingly.
FLOW CHART:
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6. HYBRID SYSTEMS (2000-??)
• FLOW CHART:
• The next generation of system is
called as probabilistic robots ,
which are under development and
research.
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8. AREAS OF APPLICATION
• In orbit positioning and assembly
• Operation
• Maintenance
• Resupply
Scientific Applications under above categories are
• Scientific Experimentation
• Assist crew in space station assembly
• Space servicing function
• Space craft enhancements
• Space Tug
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9. Types of Robots in space
There are 3 basic types of robots in space and all the robots sent to space come under these types only.
Planetary Rovers:
• It is the most advanced form of robotics technology used in space research. They are the robots, which
explore, navigate and research themselves with the least human intervention; they analyze the data
collected and send the results back to earth.
Orbit Operators:
• They are the robots, which assist an astronaut during his space mission. For example a robot can be
designed specially to refuel a shuttle thus helping the astronaut to remain in his shuttle and accomplish
various tasks without any risk to their lives
Mineralogy Robots:
• Presently humans are facing a huge challenge of exhaustion minerals due to which space exploration is
being used specifically for mineralogical purposes
• It allows the robot to detect rocks and get precise spectral measurements and validate the data without
any human intervention
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10. CHALLENGES IN DESIGNING
ZERO “g” EFFECT ON DESIGN
VACUUM THERMAL EFFECT
OTHERFACTORS
SPACE MODULAR MANIPULATORS
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11. ZERO “g” EFFECT
Arm will be light in mass
Manipulator arm -stiffness
based
Joint actuators -selected
based on dynamic torque
(based on the acceleration
of the arm).
Lack of inertial frame
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12. VACUUM & THERMAL EFFECT
Total mass loss (TML) <1%
Collected volatile condensable matter (CVCM) <0.1%.
Low temperature -embrittlement of the material,
weaken adhesive bonding and increase friction in
bearings.
Large thermal gradients -distortion in structural
elements and jamming of the mechanism
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13. OTHER FACTORS
Prime requirements of space systems is
lightweight and compactness.
Dynamic loads during launch-sinusoidal
vibrations, random vibrations, acoustic noise
and separation shock spectra.
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14. SPACE MODULAR MANIPULATORS
The unique thermal, vacuum and gravitational
conditions of space drive different from the
typical laboratory robot
Four main design drivers were
Extreme Thermal Conditions;
High Reliability Requirements;
Dynamic Performance;
Modular Design.
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15. ROBOT PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT
To identify the main source of error which
perturb the accuracy of the arm.
To decide if the arm or the work cell must be
calibrated.
To compare the expected improvement in
accuracy in calibration.
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16. ROBOT CALIBRATION
Error sources are identified by a bottom up
analysis
Error sources are identified and are sorted
into three categories
Systematic error
Pseudo systematic error
Random errors
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17. STRUCTURE SPACE ROBOTS
A. JOINTS
B. ARM
C. WRIST
D. GRIPPER
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18. Joints Arms
Two types of joints are
Roll joint
Pitch joint
Each joint consists of
Electro optical angular encoders
Pancake type DC torque motors
Harmonic gear
Electromagnetically actuated
friction brakes
Pick and place type
Fit tem to clamp or fixture
High accuracy attainable
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19. OPERATION
SPACE SHUTTLE ROBOT ARM USES
Survey the outside of the Space Shuttle
Transport an EVA crew member at the end of
the arm
Satellite deployment and retrieval
Construction of International Space Station
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20. FREE FLYING SPACE ROBOTS
In a free flying space robot a robot arm is
attached to the satellite base
The satellite may start rotating in an
uncontrollable way.
The antenna communication link may be
interrupted
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21. Free Flying Space Robots
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22. Wednesday, August 10, 2016 SPACE ROBOTICS 22
SPACE STATION MOUNTED ROBOTS
JEMRMS SPDM
23. 1965 – First FLYBY (Mariner 4)
1971 – First ORBITER (Mariner 9)
1976 – First LANDER (Viking)
1997 – First ROVER (Sojourner)
Later Rovers
Opportunity (2004)
Curiosity (2012)
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Mars Probe Highlights
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Implementation of MEMS
Spirit OpportunityThe larger Mars Exploration
Rovers (Spirit and
Opportunity) landed in 2004.
Spirit lasted until 2010,
Opportunity still going!
Curiosity was launched from Cape Canaveral on November 26, 2011, at 10:02.
It landed on in Gale Crater on Mars August 5, 2012
26. Conclusion
• We can conclude after all the research that the field of
robotics has made serious and positive inroads in the
field of space exploration. The various technologies
used in robots have made space research cost effective
and efficient also.
• It has put an end to serious problems like loss of
human life and huge expenditures. Robots with near
human-like qualities have led to amazing discoveries
and have opened up a Pandora’s Box of knowledge
and mystery.
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