Soft robotics for space missions: bringing together DE, sensors, artificial muscle actuators and soft electronics into working robotic elements that can withstand the rigors of space

The exploration of space presents new opportunities for roboticists. Space robots will have low launch mass per unit volume, and the ability to operate at low gravity while withstanding high acceleration. Space robots must pack a long term power supply with control electronics that can survive high energy radiation. They will also be exposed to near vacuum pressures along with temperature extremes. For instance: the surface temperature of Mars can vary between a comfortable 20°C during the day and -70°C at night, at a surface atmospheric pressure approximately 1% of Earth’s sea level pressure.

Soft robotic actuators, sensors and electronics composed of low density stretchy materials such as silicone show promise in meeting the challenge. They are based on electronic electroactive polymer e.g. dielectric elastomer (DE) devices that are capacitive and/or piezoresistive in nature. DE sensors are, for instance, being considered for the monitoring of surface strains on inflatable planetary space habitats[1].

We seek a PhD to explore opportunities for soft robotic DE devices for space applications. The PhD will identify how we can bring together DE, sensors, artificial muscle actuators and soft electronics into working robotic elements that can perform missions while withstanding the rigors of space. The PhD will be based in the Biomimetics Laboratory of the Auckland Bioengineering Institute, University of Auckland; world experts in DE research. The student will have access to equipment for modeling and the prototyping of soft electroactive polymer robotic devices.