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The Shapeshifter: a Morphing, Multi-Agent,Multi-Modal Robotic Platform for the Exploration of Titan (preprint version)
In this report for the Nasa NIAC Phase I study, we present a mission
architecture and a robotic platform, the Shapeshifter, that allow multi-domain
and redundant mobility on Saturn's moon Titan, and potentially other bodies
with atmospheres. The Shapeshifter is a collection of simple and affordable
robotic units, called Cobots, comparable to personal palm-size quadcopters. By
attaching and detaching with each other, multiple Cobots can shape-shift into
novel structures, capable of (a) rolling on the surface, to increase the
traverse range, (b) flying in a flight array formation, and (c) swimming on or
under liquid. A ground station complements the robotic platform, hosting
science instrumentation and providing power to recharge the batteries of the
Cobots. Our Phase I study had the objective of providing an initial assessment
of the feasibility of the proposed robotic platform architecture, and in
particular (a) to characterize the expected science return of a mission to the
Sotra-Patera region on Titan; (b) to verify the mechanical and algorithmic
feasibility of building a multi-agent platform capable of flying, docking,
rolling and un-docking; (c) to evaluate the increased range and efficiency of
rolling on Titan w.r.t to flying; (d) to define a case-study of a mission for
the exploration of the cryovolcano Sotra-Patera on Titan, whose expected
variety of geological features challenges conventional mobility platforms.Comment: Ali-akbar Agha-mohammadi is the Principal Investigator. arXiv admin
note: substantial text overlap with arXiv:2002.0051