Zero-Gravity Mobile Robot Using ON/OFF Adhesive Pads and Inchworm Mechanism

Inspection of the International Space Station and other manmade objects in space is difficult because of the microgravity environment. Robots are a promising approach to accomplish these inspection tasks and later repairs, but must be able to maneuver across the surfaces. Because there is no gravity, the robot is at high risk of floating away, necessitating grippers that can adhere to the surface and resist the forces and torques of inspecting and moving on the structure.