Session
Weekday Session 4: Automation
Location
Utah State University, Logan, UT
Abstract
Spacecraft robotic appendages typically reflect terrestrial robots in that they are usually based on boom-and-joint designs. Here we present a radical departure from tradition in the form of an Autodynamic Flexible Circuit (AFC). While their more static flexible (flex) circuit progenitors have been used in space for decades, they are usually fixed, or are moved only by external forces. Here, a specific lacing of shape memory alloy actuator wire endows an otherwise-ordinary flex circuit with dexterous motion, to be positioned on command. AFCs have thus far been demonstrated in the laboratory and in space at < 1U and 6U CubeSat scales, stowing flat in a practically two-dimensional configuration. Selected applications envisioned include orbital debris mitigation, in-space servicing, assembly, and manufacturing, extraterrestrial exploration systems, individual payload and spacecraft subsystem pointing, and large area, reconfigurable deployables. As such, AFCs promise a new era in low size, weight, power, and cost space robotics and space systems by enabling circuits to function both as conduits for electricity and a means of articulating large area, low mass structures.
Very Low SWaP-C Robotics Using Autodynamic Flexible Circuits
Utah State University, Logan, UT
Spacecraft robotic appendages typically reflect terrestrial robots in that they are usually based on boom-and-joint designs. Here we present a radical departure from tradition in the form of an Autodynamic Flexible Circuit (AFC). While their more static flexible (flex) circuit progenitors have been used in space for decades, they are usually fixed, or are moved only by external forces. Here, a specific lacing of shape memory alloy actuator wire endows an otherwise-ordinary flex circuit with dexterous motion, to be positioned on command. AFCs have thus far been demonstrated in the laboratory and in space at < 1U and 6U CubeSat scales, stowing flat in a practically two-dimensional configuration. Selected applications envisioned include orbital debris mitigation, in-space servicing, assembly, and manufacturing, extraterrestrial exploration systems, individual payload and spacecraft subsystem pointing, and large area, reconfigurable deployables. As such, AFCs promise a new era in low size, weight, power, and cost space robotics and space systems by enabling circuits to function both as conduits for electricity and a means of articulating large area, low mass structures.
