Robotic Capability Study (RoboCap-STUDY)

NASA's RoboCap team identifies and creates opportunities for high value robotic technology infusion by connecting U.S. industry and NASA investments with Moon to Mars (M2M) exploration architectural gaps. Key efforts in the study phase: +Business Case Definition for Space Robotics +Technology Roadmap Development for NASA Exploration Programs+Publication of a Summary Report on Space Robotics Business Cases, Current Technology Development Efforts and Needs+Bridging U.S. industry and NASA stakeholders by utilizing existing technology onramps (SBIR, ACO, etc.)+Held a workshop with NASA ESDMD leaders from LAT and EHP to discuss architecture gaps, roadmaps, robotic technology opportunities +Established a NASA Autonomous Systems and Robotics Community of Practice RoboCap Business Case Application Areas:+Lunar surface logistics automation services: The M2M Lunar Architecture Team identified delivery of crew-scale cargo from landers to use locations as an important early technical gap. Automated delivery services save crew time and reduce crew EVA risk. +Lunar surface power grid outfitting automation services: Some options call for transmitting power over km-scale distances from fission reactors or solar towers to other surface assets. Automated cable outfitting services save crew time and reduce crew EVA risk. +Commercial LEO station utilization automation services: Commercial LEO station operating costs are dominated by cost to launch crew and crew consumables. Automated dexterous manipulation services to sustain most utilization through uncrewed periods greatly reduce cost and improve return on investment.The Moon to Mars (M2M) program is driving innovation in robotic technologies to support future space missions. A key component of this effort involves assessing and enhancing robotic capabilities to address specific logistical and operational challenges. The technology focuses on improving robotic systems for efficient cargo handling, particularly at the sub-pallet level, using advanced facilities like the JSC Integrated Mobile Evaluation Testbed for Robotics Operations (iMETRO). Additionally, it supports other critical use cases such as connector/cable deployment, assembly, and science equipment utilization, which are essential for establishing a sustainable presence on the lunar and Martian surfaces.The development process addresses several technical challenges, including general-purpose robotic manipulation for human-scale logistics, surface-based lunar logistics management, robotic actuation for long-duration operations, sensing for autonomous robotic operations, and robust robotic intelligence for high-tempo autonomous operations. These advancements are crucial for ensuring that robotic systems can operate reliably and autonomously over extended periods. The program integrates prior research efforts and partnerships with industry and academic partners to advance these technologies.The implementation strategy involves a multi-center study with regular reporting to track progress and guide future development. This includes conducting comprehensive robotics demonstrations and tests, preparing detailed reports on outcomes, and providing quarterly status updates and bi-annual technology roadmap updates. An annual comprehensive report synthesizes the year's findings, progress on addressing identified shortfalls, and recommendations for future work and technology maturation efforts. By addressing current gaps and maturing key technologies, the program aims to ensure the success of future lunar and Martian missions through efficient, autonomous, and reliable robotic systems.

​To enable sustained space explortaion, robots will need to take on the tedious and time-consuming tasks to allow human crewmembers to complete thier science and exploration missions. These advanced robotic systems will not replace crew, but instead will take on the repetitive, time consuming, and dangerous tasks in order to reduce the fatigue and risk of demanding crew EVAs, as well as providing flexible maintenance and infratructure build out options during uncrewed periods.Allow crew to perform the explorative and scientific (human) tasks​Robotic mobile manipulation platforms on the lunar and Martian surfaces will play a crucial role in future missions in reducing cost, improving safety for crew, and providing access to in-situ resources.  The RoboCap team is defining plans to enable application of advanced terrestrial technologies by the private sector to provide commercial space services for current and future space exploration missions.  The study will include examining the use of such platforms for current and planned missions, as well as any barriers preventing broader adoption of these types of commercial services.   This area will focus primarily on uncrewed operations in the following application areas: +Logistics: Robotic cargo handling and deployment. +Inspection: Monitoring spacecraft health and lunar infrastructure. +Maintenance: Repairing and servicing equipment remotely. +Utilization: Supporting scientific and technology payloads. +ISRU (In-Situ Resource Utilization): Extracting and processing lunar resources for sustainable presence and exploration.

This is a mature technology (TRL 7+) — the realistic path in is usually NASA's Technology Transfer Program: licensing an existing NASA patent, or a Space Act Agreement to use NASA facilities/expertise directly. NASA also runs a startup licensing program with no upfront fee for companies formed to commercialize a specific NASA technology.

None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.