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TRUSSES - Temporarily, Robots Unite to Surmount Sandy Entrapments, then Separate

Completed TRL 3 (started at 3, targeting 5)

Description

The project will develop methods for teams of robots to jointly overcome environmental hazards on the Moon by attaching to each other to form larger and more stable, maneuverable structures. The robots will use their interactions with the ground to form a map of safe and risky terrain, attach to each other as support when the ground traversal risk is high, move in a coordinated fashion once joined, and, once the maneuver has been successfully completed, separate to continue their original individual missions.

Details

Technology areaRobotic Systems > Mobility > Collaborative Mobility
ProgramSpace Technology Research Grants (STRG)
Lead organizationUniversity of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
Start date2023-10-01
End date2025-10-31

Project contacts

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How to get involved

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 3) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

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