Testing ON-OFF Gecko Adhesive Grippers in Microgravity

Completed TRL 6 (started at 5, targeting 6)

Description

JPL has developed a tool for grappling non-cooperative objects in microgravity using switchable adhesives that are inspired by the gecko lizard. Using these gecko-like adhesives, which can be turned ON and OFF and reused many times, the tool grapples objects by virtually any surface, significantly reducing the requirements on other systems like perception, GN&C, and control during the grapple sequence.
Gecko Gripper on ISS
News Articles:
- Stanford engineers design a robotic gripper for cleaning up space debris
- Initial DARPA funded research

Papers:
June 2017: A robotic device using gecko-inspired adhesives can grasp and manipulate large objects in microgravity
2017: Testing Gecko-Like Adhesives Aboard the International Space Station (NASA reference)
- Scaling Controllable Adhesives to Grapple Floating Objects in Space (IEEE ref)
- Zero Gravity Robotic Mobility Experiments with Electrostatic and Gecko-Like Adhesives Aboar

Benefits

This technology is a tool for grappling non-cooperative objects and may have such applications as satellite servicing, exterior inspection of on-orbit vehicles and orbital debris mitigation. The use of directional adhesion to effectively handle objects that are difficult or impossible to manipulate with gripping tools will benefit the commercial space industry, future NASA missions, and other government agencies such as the Department of Defense.

Details

Technology area	Robotic Systems > Manipulation > Grappling Technologies
Program	Flight Opportunities (FO)
Lead organization	Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, CA
Start date	2014-05-20
End date	2016-02-28

Project contacts

Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.

Aaron J Parness — aaron.parness@jpl.nasa.gov
Matt Heverly — matthew.c.heverly@jpl.nasa.gov

How to get involved

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 6) — 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.

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.