Space Robotics for On-Orbit Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing (OSAM) Applications

Interdisciplinary Areas: Data and Engineering Applications, CISLunar (Space science and Engineering)

Project Description

The field of Space Robotics for On-Orbit Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing (OSAM) is rapidly evolving, promising to revolutionize how we approach satellite maintenance, space station construction, and the development of large-scale space infrastructure. This project focuses on the design and deployment of advanced robotic systems capable of performing complex and precise tasks in the challenging environment in space.

Key areas of interest include the development of robotic manipulation systems with high dexterity and precision, autonomous navigation and control systems, and the integration of machine learning algorithms to enhance the adaptability and efficiency of these systems. Research will also explore deployable systems in space, aiming to enable the autonomy of these systems across a broader range of applications, from the deployment of large solar arrays to the construction of modular space habitats.

The successful candidate will contribute to the development and implementation of advanced robotic systems designed for OSAM applications. This includes the design, simulation, and testing of robotic manipulators, autonomous systems, and supporting software to perform complex tasks in the challenging space environment. Candidates with experience in robotics, control and autonomous systems, and machine learning as applied to space technologies are highly encouraged to apply.

Start Date

Spring 2025

Postdoc Qualifications

• Strong backgrounds in robotics, control, autonomous systems, and machine learning
• PhD degree in Engineering or related fields
• Good communication and writing skills
• Ability to thrive in a collaborative environment.

Co-advisors

Ran Dai
Associate Professor
School of Aeronautics and Astronautics
Purdue University
Email: randai@purdue.edu
Webpage: https://engineering.purdue.edu/AOL

Yu She
Assistant Professor
School of Industrial Engineering
Purdue University
Email: shey@purdue.edu
Website: https://www.purduemars.com/

Bibliography

1. Y. Tanaka, A. Anibha, R. Gul, L. Jung, J. Sun, R. Dai, "An Origami-Inspired Deployable Space Debris Collector", IEEE/RSJ International Conference on Intelligent Robots and Systems (IROS), 2023.
2. J. Jing, C. Wan, R. Dai, and M. Mesbahi, "Design and Transformation Control of Triangulated Origami Tessellation: A Network Perspective", IEEE Transactions on Network Science and Engineering, Vol. 11, No. 1, pp. 635 - 647, 2023
3. C. Sun*, N. Kingry*, and R. Dai, "A Unified Formulation and Nonconvex Optimization Method for Mixed-Type Decision-Making of Robotic Systems", IEEE Transactions on Robotics, Vol. 37, No. 3, pp. 831-846, 2021.
4. Neha Sunil, Shaoxiong Wang, Yu She, Edward Adelson, and Alberto Rodriguez Garcia. "Visuotactile affordances for cloth manipulation with local control." In Conference on Robot Learning, pp. 1596-1606. PMLR, 2023.
5. Yu She, Shaoxiong Wang, Siyuan Dong, Neha Sunil, Alberto Rodriguez and Edward Adelson, “Cable Manipulation with a Tactile-Reactive Gripper.” International Journal of Robotics Research, August 2021.