Boom-Enabled Actuating Manipulator (BEAM)

The Boom Enabled Actuating Manipulator (BEAM) system delivers a novel extended-reach deployable robotic manipulation system, answering NASA’s call for innovative solution to overcome challenges of exploring increasingly scientifically challenging and important terrains. In Phase II, the BEAM subsystems will be demonstrated at TRL 5 via operation in a simulated planetary environment. The critical subsystems will then be integrated for a system operational demonstration, validating the BEAM design at the system level. Dynovas has aligned strategic partnerships within the Phase II effort to enable delivery of BEAM system designed for a specific mission integration target – such as CLPS, rovers, or VSAT – that supported by mechanism designs with flight heritage. The BEAM system utilizes a deployment boom capable of extending up to 10m in length with integrated smart material actuators to enable articulation along the length of the boom, achieving up to 10° of deflection at the tip of the boom. The bistable deployable boom is supported at the root by the deployer housing structure, in which it coils up for compact packaging when stowed. The boom deployer is mounted on a rotating gimbal platform, enabling ±90° of rotation in elevation and azimuth for both vertical and horizontal deployment. The gimbal mechanism in combination with the articulation along the length of the deployable structure unlocks extra degrees of freedom, providing a modular and adaptable arm capable of reaching locations previously inaccessible without astronaut intervention. The BEAM systems are configurable to deliver a robotic manipulation system solution for not only sample collection and handling, but also inspection via cameras or probes. The BEAM system is scalable for each application, enabling its integration and commercialization on platforms from micro-rovers to MER-class rovers, CLPS, or LTV for Lunar and Mars exploration and future deep space missions for other celestial bodies.