National Robotics Initiative (NRI): Actuators for Safe, Strong, and Efficient Humanoid Robots

Completed TRL 3 (started at 3, targeting 4)

Description

Rigorously address multi-objective optimization of actuators used in humanoid robots to provide a means to design actuators that are on the boundary of theoretically achievable performance. In parallel, investigate permanent magnet ac machines, permanent magnet dc machines, switched reluctance machines, and wound-rotor synchronous machines.

Benefits

This research conducted in this project will:

Provide a rigorous approach to custom design of actuators tailored to specific joint function
Determine the boundaries of achievable performance for several existing and novel actuator drive topologies

It is expected that actuators that are formally optimized for specific joint function will lead to a significant increase in the strength, endurance, and mass reduction of humanoid robots. Potential applications include:

For space exploration, this offers the potential to enhance the profile of robot- and human/robot-based missions.

For earth-based applications, the performance gains and size reduction will further the development of robots intended for human interaction.

In addition, the approaches and new motor technologies developed herein are transferable to the optimization of prosthetic joints which offers the potential to greatly improve their performance as well.

Finally, new projects based upon actuator design will be integrated into both undergraduate and graduate courses, effectively transferring the knowledge to many generations of students

Details

Technology area	GN&C > Control Technologies > Control Force and Torque Actuators
Program	Game Changing Development (GCD)
Lead organization	Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX
Start date	2012-09-01
End date	2017-09-01

Project contacts

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

William J Bluethmann

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.

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.