Six-Axis Force-Torque Transducer for Mars 2018 Mission

The use of automated robotic tooling is required in a number of space missions. It is possible to have better tool control if the robotic arm could report loads experienced by the tooling.ATI Industrial Automation proposes to develop and prove technologies to be used in a low weight, low outgassing multi-axis force and torque transducer that can be used at cryogenic temperatures. The transducer will require strain gage excitation electrical power and output strain gage level voltage signals. These signals can be digitized and then mathematically transformed into values that represent the transducer's loads as forces in the X, Y, and Z axes and torques about the X, Y, and Z axes.The primary goal of this phase I proposal is to develop, produce, and characterize a proof of concept strain-sensing beam that can survive the harsh environments expected to be encountered on a Mars lander mission. The main challenges of this proposal are the development of a strain-sensing beam that can 1) survive and operate over wide temperature ranges, and 2) operate at low atmospheric pressure with minimal outgassing.