Flight Opportunities
Testing ON-OFF Gecko Adhesive Grippers in Microgravity
Project Description
JPL has developed a tool for grappling non-cooperative objects in microgravity using switchable adhesives that are inspired by the gecko lizard. Using these gecko-like adhesives, which can be turned ON and OFF and reused many times, the tool grapples objects by virtually any surface, significantly reducing the requirements on other systems like perception, GN&C, and control during the grapple sequence.
Gecko Gripper on ISS
News Articles:
- Stanford engineers design a robotic gripper for cleaning up space debris
- Initial DARPA funded research
Papers:
June 2017: A robotic device using gecko-inspired adhesives can grasp and manipulate large objects in microgravity
2017: Testing Gecko-Like Adhesives Aboard the International Space Station (NASA reference)
- Scaling Controllable Adhesives to Grapple Floating Objects in Space (IEEE ref)
- Zero Gravity Robotic Mobility Experiments with Electrostatic and Gecko-Like Adhesives Aboar More »
Gecko Gripper on ISS
News Articles:
- Stanford engineers design a robotic gripper for cleaning up space debris
- Initial DARPA funded research
Papers:
June 2017: A robotic device using gecko-inspired adhesives can grasp and manipulate large objects in microgravity
2017: Testing Gecko-Like Adhesives Aboard the International Space Station (NASA reference)
- Scaling Controllable Adhesives to Grapple Floating Objects in Space (IEEE ref)
- Zero Gravity Robotic Mobility Experiments with Electrostatic and Gecko-Like Adhesives Aboar More »
Anticipated Benefits
This technology is a tool for grappling non-cooperative objects and may have such applications as satellite servicing, exterior inspection of on-orbit vehicles and orbital debris mitigation. The use of directional adhesion to effectively handle objects that are difficult or impossible to manipulate with gripping tools will benefit the commercial space industry, future NASA missions, and other government agencies such as the Department of Defense.
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Primary U.S. Work Locations and Key Partners
| Organizations Performing Work | Role | Type | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) | Lead Organization | FFRDC/UARC | Pasadena, California |
Primary U.S. Work Locations
-
California
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