China developed a space-snake robot for repairs in orbit
(Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics and Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences)
Chinese researchers have developed a snake robot for in-orbit repairs. It consists of nine segments, each of which can generate a torque of 190 Nm.
Robot snakes, consisting of a large number of moving parts, have already been used to inspect underwater structures, monitor the condition of industrial structures, and other tasks.
They can move in a variety of conditions, but they have not yet been used in space.
now Xu Zhenbang and his colleagues at the Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics and Physics have developed a snake robot for in-orbit repair.
It is 1.5 meters long and consists of 9 segments, each one is a technically independent robot with motors, transmission, processor and high-precision sensors.
A damaged or poorly functioning segment can simply be removed or replaced with a new one, so theoretically the robot can be in operation forever.
Segments can interact with each other, share energy and coordinate movements. Each of them can generate a torque of 190 Nm.
The joints between the segments twist and turn, allowing the robot snake to crawl to the hard-to-reach corners of the space station or satellite.
Several robot snakes can work together like tentacles attached to the same platform to move large objects.
The developers tested the robot snake on the ground.
It explored unfamiliar territory, looking for crevices, penetrating narrow spaces, and avoiding obstacles as it moved forward.
The robot has good coordination. For example, it can write on the blackboard with chalk.
Before sending the robot snake into space, Xu Zhenbang and his colleagues are going to improve it.
They will replace some of its components, in particular those made of metal alloys, with composite ones in order to reduce their weight.
Source:
South China Morning Post:https://www.scmp.com/news/china/science/article/3166960/chinas-snake-robot-designed-move-or-manipulate-large-object
Eurasian Times: https://eurasiantimes.com/china-says-its-powerful-robotic-snake-can-crush-enemy-satellites/