Advanced avionics concepts: Autonomous spacecraft control

A large increase in space operations activities is expected because of Space Station Freedom (SSF) and long range Lunar base missions and Mars exploration. Space operations will also increase as a result of space commercialization (especially the increase in satellite networks). It is anticipated that the level of satellite servicing operations will grow tenfold from the current level within the next 20 years. This growth can be sustained only if the cost effectiveness of space operations is improved. Cost effectiveness is operational efficiency with proper effectiveness. A concept is presented of advanced avionics, autonomous spacecraft control, that will enable the desired growth, as well as maintain the cost effectiveness (operational efficiency) in satellite servicing operations. The concept of advanced avionics that allows autonomous spacecraft control is described along with a brief description of each component. Some of the benefits of autonomous operations are also described. A technology utilization breakdown is provided in terms of applications

Enabling Communication Technologies for Automated Unmanned Vehicles in Industry 4.0

Within the context of Industry 4.0, mobile robot systems such as automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are one of the major areas challenging current communication and localization technologies. Due to stringent requirements on latency and reliability, several of the existing solutions are not capable of meeting the performance required by industrial automation applications. Additionally, the disparity in types and applications of unmanned vehicle (UV) calls for more flexible communication technologies in order to address their specific requirements. In this paper, we propose several use cases for UVs within the context of Industry 4.0 and consider their respective requirements. We also identify wireless technologies that support the deployment of UVs as envisioned in Industry 4.0 scenarios.Comment: 7 pages, 1 figure, 1 tabl

NASA space station automation: AI-based technology review. Executive summary

Research and Development projects in automation technology for the Space Station are described. Artificial Intelligence (AI) based technologies are planned to enhance crew safety through reduced need for EVA, increase crew productivity through the reduction of routine operations, increase space station autonomy, and augment space station capability through the use of teleoperation and robotics

An Empirical Evaluation Framework for Autonomous Vacuum Cleaners in Industrial and Commercial Settings: A Multi-Metric Approach

Despite advancements in cleaning automation, there is a noticeable gap in standardized evaluation methods for autonomous vacuum cleaners in industrial and commercial settings. Existing assessments often lack a unified approach, focusing narrowly on either technical capabilities or financial aspects, without integrating both perspectives. This research presents a framework for the evaluation of autonomous vacuum cleaners in industrial and commercial settings, focusing on eight key metrics. These metrics are designed to provide a unified empirical perspective of the vacuum cleaners\u27 performance, operational efficiency, cost, productivity, durability, safety, return on investment, and adaptability. The proposed framework starts with an analysis of cleaning efficiency, examining both the area covered by the cleaners and the quality of cleaning. Advanced image processing techniques are suggested for mapping the area coverage, tailored to different vacuum designs. For assessing cleaning quality, the proposal highlights the potential integration of real-time dirt detection technologies, such as gravimetric sampling and light sensors, to dynamically adapt to varying dirt concentrations and types. Operational efficiency part encompasses the assessment of battery life, charge time, and operational downtime. It advocates for a dual approach of empirical testing and analytical modeling to measure battery life and charge time accurately. The evaluation of operational downtime incorporates tracking of maintenance, charging periods, and other non-operational activities, complemented by predictive modeling for efficient future planning. The financial aspect of the proposed framework encompassed under cost metrics, considers the initial investment, operational and maintenance costs, and potential labor cost savings. This study argues that these cost analysis aids in understanding the long-term financial implications of adopting autonomous vacuum cleaners. Productivity metrics focus on the cleaning speed and the level of autonomy of the vacuum cleaners. Cleaning speed is evaluated using formulas that take into account various environmental factors, while the autonomy level is determined using Sheridan\u27s Levels of Autonomy, which reflects the vacuum\u27s operational independence and its impact on human productivity. Durability, reliability, safety, and compliance are key for vacuum cleaners, evaluated through metrics like Mean Time Between Failures, Mean Time To Repair, Service Life, safety incidents, and adherence to standards and regulations. Lastly, the suggested framework evaluates the vacuum\u27s flexibility and adaptability in different environments, such as various floor types and conditions, highlighting the importance of versatility in autonomous cleaning solutions. Article history: Received: 01/December /2022; Available online: 07/ February/2023; This work is licensed under a Creative Commons International License

REMIND: A Framework for the Resilient Design of Automotive Systems

In the past years, great effort has been spent on enhancing the security and safety of vehicular systems. Current advances in information and communication technology have increased the complexity of these systems and lead to extended functionalities towards self-driving and more connectivity. Unfortunately, these advances open the door for diverse and newly emerging attacks that hamper the security and, thus, the safety of vehicular systems. In this paper, we contribute to supporting the design of resilient automotive systems. We review and analyze scientific literature on resilience techniques, fault tolerance, and dependability. As a result, we present the REMIND resilience framework providing techniques for attack detection, mitigation, recovery, and resilience endurance. Moreover, we provide guidelines on how the REMIND framework can be used against common security threats and attacks and further discuss the trade-offs when applying these guidelines

From Robot Arm to Intentional Agent: the Articulated Head

Robot arms have come a long way from the humble beginnings of the first Unimate robot at a General Motors plant installed to unload parts from a die-casting machine to the flexible and versatile tool ubiquitous and indispensable in many fields of industrial production nowadays. The other chapters of this book attest to the progress in the field and the plenitude of applications of robot arms. It is still fair, however, to say that currently industrial robot arms are primarily applied in continuously repeated manufacturing task for which they are pre-programmed. They are known for their precision and reliability but in general use only limited sensory input and the changes in the execution of their task due to varying environmental factors are minimal. If one was to compare a robot arm with an animal, even a very simple one, this property of robot arm applications would immediately stand out as one of the most striking differences. Living organisms must sense changes in the environment that are crucial to their survival and must have some flexibility to adjust their behaviour. In most robot arm contexts, such a comparison is currently at best of academic interest, though it might gain relevance very quickly in the future if robot arms are to be used to assist humans to a larger extend than at present. If robot arms will work in close proximity with and directly supporting humans in accomplishing a task, it becomes inevitable for the control system of the robot to have far reaching situational awareness and the capability to adjust its ‘behaviour’ according to the acquired situational information. In addition, robot perception and action have to conform a large degree to the expectations of the human co-worker

Space Debris Mitigation CONOPS Development

Space debris remains an unsolved hazard for space operators and astronomers alike. Passive debris mitigation techniques have been enumerated and codified by the UNCOPUOS and IADC and several proposals for actively mitigating space debris have been presented. However, the space debris problem requires reframing. On the way to developing a viable CONOPS, a multi-disciplinary construct for building solution sets to tackle the space debris problem must be created. It must be shaped by building blocks of active and passive debris mitigation techniques, debris characterization and law. Central considerations must be taken. First, targeting of space debris for removal must be prioritized to unite effort and to make significant reductions in the space debris threat. Next, a leading agent must be identified and empowered to act as an executor for a space debris mitigation program, passive or active. Also needed is enactment of enforcement measures to ensure space faring nations comply with binding regulations. Lastly, active space debris mitigation programs must be urged along by the international community with contributions from all nations. Aside from monetary contributions, aid can be rendered via intellectual space and manpower. We must seek the right questions to effectively solve the space debris problem

An Integrated Approach to Life Cycle Analysis

Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) is the evaluation of the impacts that design decisions have on a system and provides a framework for identifying and evaluating design benefits and burdens associated with the life cycles of space transportation systems from a "cradle-to-grave" approach. Sometimes called life cycle assessment, life cycle approach, or "cradle to grave analysis", it represents a rapidly emerging family of tools and techniques designed to be a decision support methodology and aid in the development of sustainable systems. The implementation of a Life Cycle Analysis can vary and may take many forms; from global system-level uncertainty-centered analysis to the assessment of individualized discriminatory metrics. This paper will focus on a proven LCA methodology developed by the Systems Analysis and Concepts Directorate (SACD) at NASA Langley Research Center to quantify and assess key LCA discriminatory metrics, in particular affordability, reliability, maintainability, and operability. This paper will address issues inherent in Life Cycle Analysis including direct impacts, such as system development cost and crew safety, as well as indirect impacts, which often take the form of coupled metrics (i.e., the cost of system unreliability). Since LCA deals with the analysis of space vehicle system conceptual designs, it is imperative to stress that the goal of LCA is not to arrive at the answer but, rather, to provide important inputs to a broader strategic planning process, allowing the managers to make risk-informed decisions, and increase the likelihood of meeting mission success criteria

Ground-Based 1U CubeSat Robotic Assembly Demonstration

Key gaps limiting in-space assembly of small satellites are (1) the lack of standardization of electromechanical CubeSat components for compatibility with commercial robotic assembly hardware, and (2) testing and modifying commercial robotic assembly hardware suitable for small satellite assembly for space operation. Working toward gap (1), the lack of standardization of CubeSat components for compatibility with commercial robotic assembly hardware, we have developed a ground-based robotic assembly of a 1U CubeSat using modular components and Commercial-Off-The-Shelf (COTS) robot arms without humans-in-the-loop. Two 16 in x 7 in x 7 in dexterous robot arms, weighing 2 kg each, are shown to work together to grasp and assemble CubeSat components into a 1U CubeSat. Addressing gap (2) in this work, solutions for adapting power-efficient COTS robot arms to assemble highly-capable CubeSats are examined. Lessons learned on thermal and power considerations for overheated motors and positioning errors were also encountered and resolved. We find that COTS robot arms with sustained throughput and processing efficiency have the potential to be cost-effective for future space missions. The two robot arms assembled a 1U CubeSat prototype in less than eight minutes