Overview image of the robot concept in a stowed (launch) configuration. The rectangular prismatic structure is 40 x 40 x 80 inches.
Each arm's tube segments are four inches in diameter.
Side view of the stowed robot. The eight arms are identical, each with two gearmotor actuators at the shoulder, elbow, and wrist locations.
End view of the robot. The box structure is conventional frame and panel construction.
Closeup view of the wrist end effector. Each end has three tool mounts. A parallel jaw gripper and an electrostatic gripper are shown.
The third tool position is empty and could utilize any of a variety of end effectors. Lights or sensors could also be attached.
The robot is shown standing on a telescope mirror segment with three of its soft electrostatic grippers. The telescope mirror is shown in
space and ready for assembly.
One of the parallel jaw grippers holds a truss element for assembly positioning.
First the center portion of the truss structure is assembled from the prefabricated elements made of graphite reinforced plastic (GFRP).
Next, the center mirror segment is attached to the center truss and additional truss elements are attached.
Construction continues.
Fully assembled telescope mirror, back view.
Fully assembled telescope mirror, front view.
The eight arm robot can be attached to rocket stage for orbital change.
The robot is capable of mating and demating itself to/from the rocket stage. In this CAD model, I added solar cells for electrical
power and second surface mirrors for thermal management (cooling of electronics).
View showing the robot approaching a geostationary spacecraft for servicing or perhaps mischief (potential military application).
Email: Richard dot J dot Wagner at gmail dot com