CAESAR: Space Robotics Technology for Assembly, Maintenance, and Repair

Abstract

The Compliant Assistance and Exploration SpAce Robot (CAESAR) is DLR's consistent continuation in the development of force/torque controlled robot systems. The basis is DLR’s world-famous light-weight robot technology (LWR III) which was successfully transferred to KUKA, one of the world’s leading suppliers of robotics. CAESAR is the space qualified equivalent to the current service robot systems for manufacturing and human-robot cooperation. It is designed for a variety of on-orbit services e.g. assembly, maintenance, repair, and debris removal in LEO/GEO. The dexterity and diversity of CAESAR will push the performance of space robotics to the next level in a comparable way as the current intelligent and sensor based service robots changed robotics on earth.