Enabling Robotic Grasping in Space: Preliminary Performance Evaluation in Space-Like Environment of Adaptronics’ Electro-Adhesive Technology

The strong increase in space activity calls for improved robotic capabilities to enable In-Orbit Servicing and Active Debris Removal operations. Existing robotic grasping solutions encounter various limitations, impacted by the challenges of establishing physical interfaces with satellites or non-cooperative objects in the harsh space environment, prompting the exploration of novel approaches. Adaptronics solves these issues, enabling innovative grasping solutions to overcome current challenges through electro-adhesive devices with embedded sensing capabilities for proximity and contact force. Its product can be integrated in the end-effector of a robotic arm for berthing and docking mechanisms, promising radical improvement in in-orbit operations. This paper presents a preliminary investigation structured around experimental testing to demonstrate the performance of electro-adhesion in high-vacuum environmental conditions, laying the foundation for its potential application in future commercial and space missions for in orbit servicing and active space debris removal. With this objective, several electro-adhesive device samples are manufactured and tested, with a protocol in line with the European Cooperation for Space Standardization (ECSS) guidelines. The vacuum chamber testbench setup is described, together with testing procedures to assess materials and manufacturing process suitability, and the electro-adhesive performance on materials representative of the intended use-case. Finally, a hypothetical application scenario is presented as an example of preliminary sizing procedure of an electro-adhesive gripping system. Results here reported represent a foundational step towards the integration of Adaptronics' electro-adhesive technology into commercial missions and sustainable space initiatives, to improve Active Debris Removal capabilities and In-Orbit Servicing operations