Terrain Adaptive Reconfiguration of Mobility

Develop an algorithm (and software) to automatically adapt a reconfigurable robot to different types of terrains for improved mobility, that compared to SOA: improves traversal efficiency (e.g., vs. always in low gear), and enables traversal over a wider variety of terrains via reconfiguration (vs. avoidance of risker terrain).

Potential applications include infusion into Mars2020-like missions and missions to Europa, Titan, etc. as a guidance algorithm for assets deployed from the back shell of the spacecraft. Other options include terrestrial missions such as in the oceans and Antarctica.

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.