Until now, space robots have mostly been developed for specific missions - a costly and time-consuming process that also contributes to the creation of space debris due to a lack of reusability. Researchers at the German Research Center for Artificial Intelligence (DFKI) and the University of Bremen have therefore developed a modular system that allows robotic systems to be flexibly adapted to different application scenarios. The system is intended to mark a paradigm shift in space robotics - towards more efficient, robust and durable technologies.

More modularization in space robotics

With the MODKOM project ("Modular Components as Building Blocks for Application-Specific Configurable Space Robots"), the DFKI Robotics Innovation Center and the Robotics working group at the University of Bremen - both headed by Prof. Dr. Frank Kirchner - have made an important contribution to a fundamental change in robotic space travel: away from rigid individual developments towards flexibly reconfigurable systems. Supported by the DLR Space Agency with funds from the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE), the partners developed a modular system for robotic space technologies.

Construction kit for reconfigurable space robots

The modular system comprises all the necessary hardware and software components for the flexible construction of mobile robots. The researchers divide these into different levels of granularity: At the lowest level are basic elements such as joints, structural elements and electronic modules that can be connected to each other via standardized interfaces. These basic units can be combined to form subsystems, which are integrated into the modular system as modular functional units at higher levels.

"Plug and play" principle

At the highest level, complete systems are created - for example by connecting stationary or mobile platforms with sensors, payload containers or manipulators. A comprehensive software architecture allows the system modules to be integrated dynamically during runtime according to the "plug and play" principle. The developed interfaces also enable the use of learning and optimization processes, which can be used to automatically generate optimal hardware and software configurations and adapt individual modules.

Advantages: flexible, robust, cost-efficient

The modular system can be flexibly expanded and adapted to changing mission requirements - even retrospectively. Reusable modules significantly shorten development and qualification cycles, thus saving time and costs. Standardized interfaces and special adapters enable the integration of commercial, originally incompatible components, which considerably expands the range of applications. The modular structure also increases reliability: defective units can be replaced quickly - a clear advantage for applications in difficult-to-access or high-risk environments such as space.

Performance demonstration and qualification for use in space

In order to demonstrate the performance of the developed system, the project partners realized a complex manipulation system based on the robotic construction kit. To do this, they combined a modular manipulator developed at DFKI with two commercially available components: the HUNTER SE mobile platform from AgileX Robotics and the iSSI multifunctional interface of the iBOSS system. In a realistic test environment, a specific manipulation task was used to demonstrate how flexibly external systems can be integrated into the modular system and how individual modules can be exchanged quickly and as needed.

Further development towards even higher levels of technological maturity

Another focus of the project was on the qualifiability of the components: With the DFKI X2D joint, the researchers developed a highly dynamic motor that was specifically designed for use in space. Comprehensive qualification tests made it possible to achieve Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 5 - an important step on the way to practical application in space. To integrate and test the modular elements under realistic conditions, a modern, ISO-compliant clean room was also set up at DFKI Bremen to support further development towards even higher technology readiness levels.

From research to practice

The knowledge and technologies gained in the project form an important basis for the further development of reconfigurable space robots. They will be incorporated into real space missions in the future and help to significantly improve the flexibility, efficiency and sustainability of robotic space systems.

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