Student teams explore ESA’s robotics labs

University teams from Denmark, Germany, Italy, Slovenia and the UK were selected through the ESA Academy Experiments programme to make use of ESA’s state-of-the-art facilities.

The Experiments programme aims to train student teams by guiding them throughout the development of innovative research projects, from concept stages through to operations and data analysis.

During this year’s kick-off workshop, the selected teams familiarised themselves with the facilities through hands-on exercises, applying problem-solving skills under the guidance of experts. To supplement the team-based activities, various lectures were held to provide the students with background on systems engineering, project management and outreach.

ESA’s Laura Borella, coordinator of the programme, comments: “This year’s teams come from a truly wide range of backgrounds – in addition to engineering, we have students from psychology, business, as well as neuroscience. The programme provides them with opportunities for networking and collaboration and offers a great platform for exchange of ideas.”

At ESTEC, the teams were introduced to the Orbital Robotics Laboratory, which they will visit again to carry out their experiments in the coming months. Along the way, ESA engineers and mentors from the European Low Gravity Research Association will provide them with guidance on refining experimental designs, testing strategies, and help them advance towards their research objectives.

The three experiments will respectively:

• explore gecko-like gripper actuators in microgravity for rendezvous and capture scenarios, such as those needed for in-orbit servicing and active debris removal (Sapienza University of Rome, Italy)
• investigate the effects of the vestibular system and the perception of verticality in a microgravity environment for human performance and safety during spaceflight (Birkbeck, University of London, UK)
• use reinforcement learning to ‘teach’ a robot to crawl across structures, to enhance robotic capabilities for assembling and maintaining large space structures (Aalborg University, Denmark)

Head of ESA Academy Joost Vanreusel adds: “The collaboration between ESA Academy and the Orbital Robotics Laboratory is a true exchange of knowledge and innovation.

“While students gain invaluable hands-on experience and training, the laboratory benefits from fresh perspectives and novel ideas on how to further exploit its capabilities.”

ESA’s Marti Vilella, manager of the Orbital Robotics Laboratory, concludes: “The benefits that the Agency and Europe get from the ideas these creative minds have is immeasurable. I am super proud we recognise potential and can provide opportunities for them today, to prepare them to be the leaders of tomorrow.”