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The development of space robots has traditionally – and still predominantly – been mission-specific – a costly and time-consuming process that also contributes to space debris due to a lack of reusability. Researchers from the German Research Center for Artificial Intelligence (DFKI) and the University of Bremen have now developed a modular construction kit that allows robotic systems to be flexibly adapted to different mission scenarios. The system represents a paradigm shift in space robotics – towards more efficient, robust, and durable technologies.
Whether it's exploring distant planets, building habitats, or servicing satellites, robotic systems are playing an increasingly central role in space. However, many of the robots used today are designed for a single, specific mission. When mission requirements change, entirely new systems often have to be developed – a process that consumes significant time, money, and resources.
More modularity in space robotics
With the project MODKOM ("Modular Components as Building Blocks for Application-Specific Configurable Space Robots"), the DFKI Robotics Innovation Center and the Robotics Group at the University of Bremen – both led by Prof. Dr. Frank Kirchner – have taken an important step toward transforming space robotics: moving away from rigid, one-off developments and toward flexibly reconfigurable systems. Funded by the German Space Agency at DLR with support from the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE), the partners developed a modular construction kit for robotic space technologies.
A construction kit for reconfigurable space robots
The system includes all the necessary hardware and software components to flexibly build mobile robotic systems. The researchers categorize these components into different levels of granularity. At the lowest level are basic elements such as joints, structural parts, and electronic modules, which can be connected via standardized interfaces. These basic units can be combined into subsystems, which are then integrated as modular functional units at higher levels within the construction kit.
At the highest level, complete systems are assembled – for example, by combining stationary or mobile platforms with sensors, payload modules, or manipulators. A unified software architecture enables the dynamic integration of system components at runtime, following a plug-and-play principle. The standardized interfaces also support the use of learning and optimization methods to automatically generate optimal hardware and software configurations and adapt individual modules.
Advantages: flexible, robust, cost-efficient
The modular system can be flexibly expanded and adapted to evolving mission requirements – even after deployment. Reusable modules significantly shorten development and qualification cycles, saving both time and costs. Standardized interfaces and dedicated adapters allow for the integration of commercial components that were previously incompatible, greatly broadening the range of potential applications. The modular architecture also increases system resilience: defective components can be quickly replaced – an important advantage in remote or high-risk environments such as space.
Performance demonstration and space qualification
To demonstrate the system’s capabilities, the project team assembled a complex manipulation system using the modular construction kit. They combined a modular manipulator developed at DFKI with two commercial components: the HUNTER SE mobile platform from AgileX Robotics and the multifunctional iSSI® interface from the iBOSS system. In a realistic test environment, they successfully demonstrated how flexibly external systems can be integrated into the kit and how quickly individual modules can be adapted or replaced to meet specific requirements.
Another major focus of the project was the qualification of components for space applications. With the DFKI-X2D joint, the researchers developed a high-dynamic actuator specifically designed for use in space. Extensive qualification testing enabled the system to reach Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 5 – a key milestone on the path to operational deployment. To support integration and testing under realistic conditions, a state-of-the-art, ISO-compliant cleanroom was established at DFKI Bremen, enabling further development toward even higher TRLs.
From research to application
The insights and technologies developed through the MODKOM project provide a vital foundation for the continued evolution of reconfigurable space robotics. They are intended to be transferred to future space missions, with the goal of significantly enhancing the flexibility, efficiency, and sustainability of robotic space systems.
The MODKOM project was funded by the German Space Agency at DLR with support from the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE). The project ran from July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2025, with a total budget of approximately 3.2 million euros.
DFKI press contact:
Communications & Media Team
Phone: +49 421 17845 4180
Mail: communications-hb@dfki.de
DFKI scientific contact:
Dipl.-Ing. Wiebke Brinkmann
Robotics Innovation Center
Phone: +49 421 17845 6630
Mail: wiebke.brinkmann@dfki.de
https://cloud.dfki.de/owncloud/index.php/s/Ha6xXZGXL8BpxtE High-resolution images are available for download in the DFKI-Cloud and can be used for reporting on the MODKOM project, provided the copyright is acknowledged.
Demonstrating system capability: The DFKI-developed modular manipulator arm transfers a payload modu ...
Source: Meltem Fischer
Copyright: DFKI, Meltem Fischer
The newly established clean room at DFKI in Bremen meets ISO standards and supports qualification te ...
Source: Annemarie Popp
Copyright: DFKI, Annemarie Popp
Criteria of this press release:
Journalists
Information technology, Physics / astronomy
transregional, national
Research projects, Research results
English
Demonstrating system capability: The DFKI-developed modular manipulator arm transfers a payload modu ...
Source: Meltem Fischer
Copyright: DFKI, Meltem Fischer
The newly established clean room at DFKI in Bremen meets ISO standards and supports qualification te ...
Source: Annemarie Popp
Copyright: DFKI, Annemarie Popp
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