IBT: UC researchers developing AI robots to repair satellites
Engineering professor Ou Ma is developing robots that can work independently but collaboratively
The International Business Times talked to University of Cincinnati engineering professor Ou Ma about his research into satellites that fix other satellites in orbit.
Ma, a professor of aerospace engineering in UC's College of Engineering and Applied Science, is working on both the robotics and the artificial intelligence required for satellites to dock with other satellites for refueling or repairs.
For his research team's latest study, published last month in the journal Robotica, they programmed robots to work independently but collaboratively to complete a task – moving a small token across a table to a designated spot using only attached strings.
Simply docking with another satellite in orbit requires extreme precision and coordination, Ma said.
"To grab something in space is really difficult. And grabbing something that’s tumbling in space is even more difficult,” Ma told the International Business Times.
Featured image at top: UC engineering professor Ou Ma and his students use a virtual reality simulator to examine the International Space Station. Photo/Andrew Higley/UC Creative Services
UC aerospace in the news
Discover Magazine: Orbiting Robots Could Soon Repair Satellites
The Hans India: Robots may cut cost of repairing broken satellites in space
Yahoo! News: Send bots in space, save money
Gizbot: This Robotic Satellite Tech Will Fix Broken Satellites Floating Dead in Space
Follow your dreams
At the University of Cincinnati, aerospace engineering students will launch their own satellites into space and are helping NASA plan the next mission to Mars. Students in UC's College of Engineering and Applied Science tackle real-world problems. Explore programs at the graduate and undergraduate level.
Related Stories
UC grad’s innovative tech to manage ER wait times
June 25, 2024
When launching Teravus, a health care triage management startup, Jason Murray turned to the University of Cincinnati's Center for Entrepreneurship and the 1819 Venture Lab for guidance and funding.
Carnegie Foundation recognizes UC with Leadership for Public...
June 24, 2024
UC part of inaugural group honored for focusing on developing students as leaders
Technology provides new understanding of voice, swallowing...
June 21, 2024
University of Cincinnati laryngology researchers are using high-speed camera technology to learn more about the physiology of voice and swallowing and improve patient outcomes.