The proposed activity is focused on the development of multifunctional tendons for use in tensegrity robots. This effort is a collaboration with NASA Ames to develop multifunctional tendons based upon carbon nanotube wires and yarns and demonstrates their use in actuation systems representative of those used in tensegrity robots. Tensegrity robots have attracted considerable attention for use in planetary exploration missions because they can be stowed into relatively small volumes before launch and are readily deployable upon landing. Because of their design and structure they can absorb significant impact shocks, such as those experienced during landing, and are well suited for use on extremely rough planetary terrains.
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