Tech Scouting – High Dexterity Prehensor

TECH SCOUTING: Prehensor

Evaluation of Technical Quality:

The evaluation criteria for this CTI is based on the proof-of-concept meeting the requirements specified in the tasking OR by demonstrating a subset of the requirements with a feasible plan to meet all requirements in a future proof-of-concept or prototype.

Task: 

Conduct Tech Scouting for technologies that may be used to develop a prehensor, or gripper, that provides an operator the ability to handle fragile objects in the deep ocean from the safety of a submersible. The application is similar to that of many robotic manipulators seen in Remote Operated Vehicles (ROV), prosthetics, and manufacturing. The challenge for this technology is combining compactness, sensitivity, and low (or no) external power consumption.

The prehensor identified in this tech scout may eventually be used on a new class of atmospheric diving suit (ADS). ADS are one-person manipulating submersibles that maintain an internal pressure of one atmosphere so divers can execute tasks without the physiological effects of diving, specifically decompression sickness. The navy’s previous dive suit has claw-like prehensors which suffered from limited dexterity. This tech scout aims to identify technologies that could be used to develop an idealized prehensor, as depicted below, where action of the hand is perfectly emulated by the prehensor. Details on object and threshold requirements our outlined in the table below.  If a suitable technology is identified, the ONR/ NAVSEA team may fund necessary development, testing, and approval for navy use.

Deliverables:

Identify potential solutions and associated vendors that can address this need and as applicable, coordinated in person or virtual demonstrations of prospective solutions on navy relevant applications.