Robotics
Robotics is a rapidly expanding area of research. We aim to push the frontiers of Space Robotics further through innovative research and cutting-edge technology. Our group works in collaboration with ESA, DLR, NASA and other space agencies worldwide. We also develop innovative and low cost solutions in the field of minimally invasive surgical robots.
More information about the team which forms the robotics research group can be found on our people page.
Key Robotic Systems
Micro-Rovers
- Expertise in bio-inspired chassis design, mobility analysis and actuation system design for legged and cliff climbing robots
- The main theme of research is on bio-inspired novel gait optimisation, evolutionary algorithms and simulator development
Planetary Soil Probes
- FASTER
- Advanced miniature mechatronics soil probes for rover tractability assessment and rover mobility enhancement.
- In-situ evaluation of ground trafficability and scientific analysis of the terrain.
On-Orbit Servicing Test-bed
- The core research is focused on developing advanced orbital manipulation control and multi-modal sensing system engineering.
- Developing low cost robotic solutions for in-orbit assembly.
Key Technologies
Traction Control
- State-of-the-art soil trafficability test facility.
- Characterization of legged and flexible wheeled micro-rover performance on compressible planetary soils
- Development of innovative surface mobility systems and simulators.
Swarm Systems & Control
- Expertise in multi-agent cooperative control and collision avoidance algorithms.
- Application of Artificial Potential Field method and robust Sliding Mode Control for swarms of robots.
SysML Modelling
- Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE), modelling of complex space systems and requirement verification using System Modeling Language (SysML).
- System modelling of rendezvous and docking platforms for on-orbit servicing
- System modelling of planetary landers
- System modelling of Earth Observation satellites
Pin-point Landing Systems
- Development of multi-modal sensor system and optimisation of pin-point landing algorithms for Mars, Moon and Asteroid Landers.
- Guidance and control algorithms for hazard detection and avoidance during descent and landing.
Air-Bearing Tables
- Development of 2D ABT test-bed for testing autonomous rendezvous and docking technologies.
- Focus is on active and passive compliance control architecture to capture an uncooperative client spacecraft through executing collision-free, optimal path.
Medical Robotics
Minimally Invasive Surgery
- STIFF-FLOP
- Development of Octopus-inspired novel manipulators with continuously-distributed and selectively controllable stiffness.
- Novel 3D haptic feedback mechanisms for collaborative Human-Robot Interaction.
- Learning based on demonstration with multimodal sensing
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