Among the technologies we have been presented with as the ESA Technology Broker UK is a scalable, mobile robotic system.
Ideal for use in hazardous environments, including space and subsea, the AURORATM solution has been presented by UK SME Barrnon Ltd.
AURORA™ (Autonomous Universal Robotics for Operationally Reconfigurable Applications) is a semi-autonomous mobile robotic system originally developed for nuclear decommissioning, integrating mobility, multi-arm manipulation, tool deployment and perception within a single adaptable platform.
Because the architecture is hardware-agnostic and operationally reconfigurable, it can be used for everything from compact crawlers to large tracked vehicles and orbital servicing systems.
The current embodiment of the AURORA™ system is a 6.5-tonne hydraulically actuated vehicle with a dual armed, seven metre extendable boom. Hydraulic gross positioning is combined with electromechanical distal joints for fine manipulation, and interchangeable end-effectors include grippers, cutters, and sensor heads.
Because the system has been designed to be reconfigurable it can be used in a range of different forms and scenarios, creating a family of robotic embodiments built on a common core system.
The system also includes several sub-systems, such as a compact, in-tank lighting module, a form-factor-optimised laser cutter for precision cutting in restricted spaces, and a range of manipulator options, including everything from heavy hydraulic arms to compact electromechanical grippers, with modularity enabling application-specific toolsets. In addition, a fully immersive VR system provides an intuitive means of remote operation with associated productivity gains and significant de-risking.
Find Out More:
With a number of critical space sector applications available for this system, you can find out more about this technology here: https://www.esa-technology-broker.co.uk/technologies/scalable-mobile-robotic-system-for-hazardous-subsea-and-space-applications
If you would like to explore this technology further for potential applications, please get in touch with us by emailing contactus@esa-technology-broker.co.uk.