A mobile robot system for ground servicing operations on the space shuttleA mobile system for space shuttle servicing, the Tessellator, has been configured, designed and is currently being built and integrated. Robot tasks include chemical injection and inspection of the shuttle's thermal protection system. This paper outlines tasks, rationale, and facility requirements for the development of this system. A detailed look at the mobile system and manipulator follow with a look at mechanics, electronics, and software. Salient features of the mobile robot include omnidirectionality, high reach, high stiffness and accuracy with safety and self-reliance integral to all aspects of the design. The robot system is shown to meet task, facility, and NASA requirements in its design resulting in unprecedented specifications for a mobile-manipulation system.
Document ID
19930045129
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Dowling, K. (Carnegie Mellon Univ. Pittsburgh, PA, United States)
Bennett, R. (Boeing Aerospace Co.; NASA, Kennedy Space Center Cocoa Beach, FL, United States)
Blackwell, M. (Carnegie Mellon Univ. Pittsburgh, PA, United States)
Graham, T. (NASA Kennedy Space Center Cocoa Beach, FL, United States)
Gatrall, S. (NASA John F. Kennedy Space Center Cocoa Beach, FL, United States)
O'Toole, R. (NASA John F. Kennedy Space Center Cocoa Beach, FL, United States)
Schempf, H. (Carnegie Mellon Univ. Pittsburgh, PA, United States)
Date Acquired
August 16, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1992
Publication Information
Publication: In: Cooperative intelligent robotics in space III; Proceedings of the Meeting, Boston, MA, Nov. 16-18, 1992 (A93-29101 10-54)
Publisher: Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers