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A Hexapod Robot to Demonstrate Mesh Walking in a Microgravity EnvironmentThe JPL Micro-Robot Explorer (MRE) Spiderbot is a robot that takes advantage of its small size to perform precision tasks suitable for space applications. The Spiderbot is a legged robot that can traverse harsh terrain otherwise inaccessible to wheeled robots. A team of Spiderbots can network and can exhibit collaborative efforts to SUCCeSSfUlly complete a set of tasks. The Spiderbot is designed and developed to demonstrate hexapods that can walk on flat surfaces, crawl on meshes, and assemble simple structures. The robot has six legs consisting of two spring-compliant joints and a gripping actuator. A hard-coded set of gaits allows the robot to move smoothly in a zero-gravity environment along the mesh. The primary objective of this project is to create a Spiderbot that traverses a flexible, deployable mesh, for use in space repair. Verification of this task will take place aboard a zero-gravity test flight. The secondary objective of this project is to adapt feedback from the joints to allow the robot to test each arm for a successful grip of the mesh. The end result of this research lends itself to a fault-tolerant robot suitable for a wide variety of space applications.
Document ID
20060010225
Acquisition Source
Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Foor, David C.
(Texas A&M Univ. Kingsville, TX, United States)
Date Acquired
August 23, 2013
Publication Date
August 1, 2005
Publication Information
Publication: Summer Student Research Presentations
Subject Category
Cybernetics, Artificial Intelligence And Robotics
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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