Design and Environmental Testing of the DFKI-X Robotics Joint for Space Applications

Within this paper we present the electro-mechanical development and testing of a highly integrated robotic joint. We are giving insight in the design of mechanical and electrical components and their evaluation with respect to a LEO mission. Furthermore, the model philosophy is described to adapt a joint, originally developed for terrestrial robots, to space qualification. The result is a novel and compact motor unit with integrated control electronics for space applications.