Robotics Equipment

We have two robotic arms, one mounted on rails, that allow users to test out their close proximity operations and in-orbit servicing and manufacturing technologies. The robots simulate a micro-gravity environment allowing users to validate their technologies prior to launch. Technologies that could be validated on the system include guidance sensors & software, docking mechanisms and servicing robots.

The equipment includes:

  • 1x Floor mounted 150kg payload/2.5m reach
  • 1x Track mounted 150kg payload/2.5m reach
  • Track ~17m servo driven
  • Force/Torque sensors
  • Pair of universal robots (10kg) with end effectors
  • Contact Dynamics
  • Dynamic Orbital Lighting System
  • Dedicated Control & Server Rooms
  • Digital Twin with VR Headset and Direct Robot Programming via VR headset
  • ROS Programming and Simulation Environment
  • End Effectors (space craft mock-up, CubeSat chassis)
  • HD Projector and High Intensity Light Source
  • 34 Vicon motion tracking cameras and real-time feedback

With tracking systems and advanced motion control, the system can achieve high levels of accuracy and repeatability allowing representative mission testing to be carried out.