Lightweight hyper-redundant binary elements for planetary exploration robots

Presents the design of a new lightweight, hyper-redundant, deployable binary robotic articulated intelligent device (BRAID), for space robotic systems. The BRAID element is intended to meet the challenges of future space robotic systems that need to perform more complex tasks than are currently feasible. It is lightweight, has a high degree of freedom and a large workspace. The device is based on embedded muscle type binary actuators and flexure linkages. Such a system may be used for a wide range of tasks, and requires minimal control computation and power resources.