Our Concept

The Concept

Inspired by Octopus arms, RobOcto aims to create a mechanism that wraps around space debris.

Mechanical subteams tackle issues such as tribological factors, insulation, heat sources, materials, and 3D modelling and printing.

The electrical subteam focuses on programming relevant sensors to find parameters such as distance to debris, developing and training the SMA wire to behave accordingly based on the temperature it is heated.

RobOcto Arm Module

The Inspiration

RobOcto draws its inspiration from nature. More specifically, the concept is inspired by the octopus, whose flexible arms and interconnecting membranes allow it to adaptively grasp, secure, and manipulate objects of diverse shapes and textures.
By translating this biological concept into a robotic gripping mechanism, RobOcto seeks to develop an adaptable and reliable method for securing uncooperative objects in orbit, while using mathematical concepts combined with material science notions, used to provide additional holding force and enable the system to interact with a wider variety of materials, including metallic or partially conductive debris.

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