Liquid Cooled Viscoelastic Actuation for Robust Legged Robot Locomotion

The work proposed here seeks to significantly improve actuation technology for mission-capable articulated robots and exoskeletons such as NASA's Robonaut 2, Valkyrie, and ATHLETE systems. The goal is enabled by a new type of robotic actuation technology, Viscoelastic Liquid Cooled Actuation (VLCA), which offers improved energy efficiency, power density, and mechanical robustness over conventional actuators for space applications. The scope of the proposed work encompasses the construction and experimental evaluation of a VLCA prototype for Phase I, including the mechanical structures, avionics, and embedded control software. Additional work in Phase I will include studies on liquid cooled brushless DC motor architectures and space-compatible elastomers that will reduce risk for a detailed VLCA design and build in Phase II.

Robotic assets with human-levels of strength and dexterity, such as Robonaut 2, Valkyrie, and to some extent, ATHLETE, have been of increasing interest to NASA. Development of the proposed VLCA technology can augment the performance capabilities of future such systems. These robots will be able to work alongside astronauts, will alleviate astronauts from mundane and time consuming tasks, will be capable of semi-autonomous mobility over unstructured terrain on other planets, will have the strength to carry significant payloads, and will have manipulation capabilities to construct scientific outposts and human dwellings.

Any commercial application that relies on hydraulic actuation could potentially be a market for VLCA technology. Its high payload and mechanical robustness enables it to perform well in many of the same application domains. Its increased efficiency and safety are technology benefits that could be exploited to replace hydraulic machines. Example industries include disaster response robotics, construction, rehabilitation and tactical exoskeletons, scouting and exploration, industrial automation, oil and gas.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 4) — 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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