Automation and Robotics Laboratories

The Laboratory specialises in the problems and related solutions, stemming from the use of robots in orbit (e.g. satellite/station servicing, debris removal) or in sampling in very low gravity environments (e.g. Phobos/meteroid/comet sampling). 

The lab provides tools to research, develop and validate the means to cope with proximity manoeuvring, free-space trajectory planning, navigation and localisation, free-floating contact dynamics, and low-gravity sampling. As the problems of contact dynamics and motion in free space are also faced by astronauts in orbits, the ORL can also help in the training of crew by providing a physical simulation environment. 

The lab is jointly funded and operated with the GNC test facilities in order to increase synergies between the topics in GNC and robotics.

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Three floating systems are available:

• ACROBAT has an adjustable centre of mass, allows payloads up to 100kg and can be 'manned' to simulate tasks without gravity assist
• MANTIS holds up to 40kg. Its advantage is the autonomy provided by two on-board high-pressure tanks to supply the air-bearings and thruster system
• ROOTLESS is for the smallest payloads

ESA's Planetary Robotics Laboratory is an engineering research laboratory that specialises in the challenges that robotic probes face in the exploration of the surface of Moon and Mars.

The Mars-analogue yard is a 9 m by 9 m ‘sandbox’ terrain filled with different sizes of sand, gravel and rock. Here, small to mid-size rovers can be tested to demonstrate locomotion and navigation capabilities on a planetary surface.

The lab developed and maintains multiple rover testbeds to investigate rover locomotion, perception and autonomy, together with operational aspects. Additionally, the lab features an industrial robotic arm with six degrees of freedom and a payload capacity of 130 kg as well as state-of-the-art measurement equipment for motion capture and 3D scanning.

This laboratory is developing robotic technologies for advanced human-machine interaction. The focus is on real-time teleoperation of complex robotic systems and force feedback controls. The activities in the lab are creating and maintaining an industrial technology base for conducting space-based operations where robotic elements are remotely operated.

The laboratory regularly works with external partners and is experience in payload development for the ISS and conducting affiliated on-board experiments and operations . Its team is equipped for the rapid development of hardware and software systems, responding on a rapid turnaround basis to customer needs including the design and supply of specialised items to industry for specific projects or in the field testing, including spaceflight. Collaboration with non-space partners is also feasible, such as the offshore or nuclear industries.

The Lab possesses ISO 9001 certification for research and development, As so much of the Lab’s specialised equipment is at the forefront of technology, it has been designed, and often created, in house.

The ESA HRI laboratory has spaceflight proven competence in telerobotics, particularly with the use of haptic feedback and a history of research and development in robot exoskeletons for space use.