Progress, Challenges, and Prospects of Soft Robotics for Space Applications

Abstract

The development of space robots is vital to broadening human cognitive boundaries. Space robots have been deployed in space science experiments, extravehicular operations, and deep space exploration. The application of space robots undoubtedly reduces the risk and cost of space activities. Traditional space robots primarily utilize rigid structures, resulting in limited degrees of freedom, which restricts their operational capabilities. In contrast, soft robots with greater flexibility and robustness may be used for future space exploration. Soft robots applied in space environments must overcome significant challenges associated with ultrahigh vacuum, microgravity, extreme temperatures, and high‐energy radiation. Herein, a comprehensive analysis of the key advantages of soft robots is presented based on the special requirements of the space environments for soft robots. Furthermore, brief insights into how soft robots must be changed in terms of their design, modeling, fabrication, sensing, and control to adapt to space environments are discussed. Specifically, soft robot scenarios with potential space application value are introduced. Finally, opinions regarding the potential directions of soft space robots are provided.

Soft robotics towards sustainable development goals and climate actions

“…In sustainable cities, drones and climbing soft robots, in conjunction with 3D scanning, will enable point-in-time inspection and monitoring of buildings or bridges, modifying planned task in real-time . Also, in space, monitoring and harvesting debris can be effectively achieved using soft robotic solutions (Zhang et al, 2022). By integrating soft robotic grippers into a hard robotic frame and incorporating switchable and frequency-driven micro-patterned adhesives, it is possible to create a system that can effectively grasp, pick and place, and manipulate satellite debris on demand in the harsh conditions of outer space (Kwak et al, 2011;Dayan et al, 2021;Barnefske et al, 2022).…”

Soft robotics for infrastructure protection

“…The three applications reported in the previous sections are currently the most advanced in the context of soft robotics for infrastructure protection, based on the success of the proof of concepts reported by the authors. However, there are also perspectives about the advantage of adopting soft robotic technology in other aspects of critical infrastructures, such as autonomous operations in radioactive environments ( Vitanov et al, 2021 ) and even space exploration ( Zhang et al, 2022 ). Yirmibesoglu et al ( Yirmibeşoğlu et al, 2019 ) studied the impact of gamma radiation on the mechanical properties of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), the most common silicone rubber used for soft robotic fabrication.…”

“…They found a degradation of the mechanical properties with increasing exposure to radiation, but with minimal effect up to 20 kGy, inducing the authors to conclude that there is a great promise for such application. Regarding space exploration, Zhang et al ( Zhang et al, 2022 ) note that soft robots can potentially solve the technological challenges that occur in space, related to high-vacuum, microgravity, radiations and extreme temperatures, due to their advanced materials and structural flexibility.…”

A Flytrap‐Inspired Bistable Origami‐Based Gripper for Rapid Active Debris Removal

“…The rapid increase in the amount of space debris has limited the use of space orbit resources, posing a serious threat to the reliability and safety of in-service spacecraft. [1,2] For example, the collision between Iridium 33 and the Cosmos 2251 satellite has significantly changed the low Earth orbit environment. [1] In this regard, the active capture of space debris is an effective solution.…”