Project Title:

Shared Multi-Use Remote Robotics Facility (SMURRF)

Orbital Technologies Corporation (ORBITEC)
402 Gammon Place, Suite 10
Madison, Wisconsin 53719

93-105.01   1992  __      AMOUNT REQUESTED $ 70,000

Shared Multi-Use Remote Robotics Facility (SMURRF)

Abstract:

The Shared Multi-use Remote Robotics Facility (SMURRF) will provide
a simple, Flexible, and functional manipulator to assist space
operations in an unmanned mode. Shared Multi-use Robotics Facility:
Shared - Combined Automated and human controlled modes of
operation; Multi-use - the wide range of applications; and Remote -
the capability of supporting the operator and robot system with
inherent time delays and reduced bandwidth communications. SMURRF,
contained in a single shuttle locker, will provide an interface to
any scientific, processing, or other application locker, and be
controlled from the ground using existing ORBITEC controllers and
feedback devices, and existing stereographic displays. SMURRF has
potential to save billions of dollars in operations in space that
would not normally occur without the presence of humans.

Possible commercial applications include: accelerated enhancements
of the national robotics infrastructure, improved hazardous
materials handling, supervised automation of biomedicine and
biotechnology operations, remote, unmanned operations and many
spinoff OEM products.

Robotics, Automation, Telerobotics, Space Processing, Space
Commercialization