Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Tech Transfer
Pneubotics - Membrane-Based Robotics for Remote Material Handling, Phase II
Project Description
We have invented a new class of robotics, called `Pneubotics', that rival current manipulators in payload and reach at 1/10th the weight. Our technology leverages insights into lightweight materials and mass manufacturing to create robots that derive power, structure, and movement from pressurized air. As a result, drive trains, motors, bearings, shafts, sliding surfaces, and excess structural material are eliminated, leading to robots with extremely high strength to weight ratios, inherently human safe operation, and high degrees of freedom at low part count. This transformative new technology has the potential to enable the widespread use of automated handling of material and equipment on missions in low Earth orbit and beyond. The compliant nature of these robotic systems allows them to robustly grasp arbitrarily shaped objects and makes them ideal for operating around sensitive equipment and materials or cooperatively with humans. Similarly, due to their fluidic architecture they can be deflated and stowed for efficient transport. The work described in this phase II SBIR proposal would integrate the component development and analysis performed in Phase I to build and test a full prototype manipulation system. By incorporating optical, internal, and tactile sensors and multi-level controls that take advantage of the unique characteristics of the manipulator and seek out appropriate contact to guide motion rather than avoiding it. By testing the entire prototype system in the field we will demonstrate operation in the ground environment and learn valuable lessons for IVA and EVA applications.
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Anticipated Benefits
Pneubotic systems offer robust grasping, human safe operation, and efficient transportation, vital qualities for robotic manipulators that are part of NASA missions. This unique technology enables a diverse set of applications at several scales, including on-orbit astronaut support, tele-operated servicing and operations, manipulation of the local environment by extra-terrestrial rovers, and even safe capture systems at the large scale. The lightweight, fully compliant structure alleviates concerns about errant motion during interactions with humans while the use of fabric manufacturing techniques allows for the construction of complex shapes and light systems that pack small. Due to the low weight and price point of Pneubotic technology, high performance manipulators with the strength of industrial arms become available to mobile applications. The commercial potential of such a product is immense and has applications in a wide range of markets including manufacturing, agriculture, military, commercial, and consumer. We are targeting an untapped sector of the global material handling market that we are calling "mobile material handling." This market includes tasks that take place outside the confines of a structured industrial cell where objects between 10kg - 30kg need to be moved short distances. Distribution centers, fulfillment centers, package delivery, and baggage centers are all potential customers. Traditionally, these applications have resisted robotics due to their high cost, weight, lack of mobility, and need for safety cages. Pneubotics can uniquely address the challenges presented by mobile material handling and offer a product that replaces pallet jacks and hand trucks with safe, human-controlled machine systems.
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Project Library
Primary U.S. Work Locations and Key Partners
| Organizations Performing Work | Role | Type | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Otherlab, Inc. | Lead Organization | Industry | San Francisco, California |
Ames Research Center
(ARC)
|
Supporting Organization | NASA Center | Moffett Field, California |
Primary U.S. Work Locations
-
California
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