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ESA Launches 3D-Printed Smart Skin Project to Protect Space Robots in Extreme Environments
2026-05-19
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Impact score: 37
The European Space Agency (ESA) has initiated the Smart Skin for Exploration Collaborative Robots (SSfEC) project to develop 3D-printed multifunctional protective layers for robotic arms used in lunar, Martian, and orbital missions. These layers can withstand extreme temperature fluctuations from -150°C to 120°C, abrasive lunar dust, and solar radiation. Led by the Danish Technological Institute (DTI), the project involves Hungarian company Admatis, Poland's PIAP Space, and Luxembourg's Redwire Space Europe, with functional validation under space-like conditions to be completed within two years. The total budget is €1.65 million. The 3D-printed support framework integrates thermal protection, dust resistance, flexible cabling, collision sensors, and human-robot interaction enhancements, potentially reducing future space robot manufacturing costs and offering spillover applications in extreme ground environments such as foundries.
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ESA启动3D打印智能皮肤项目，保护太空机器人极端环境作业
欧洲空间局（ESA）启动“探索协作机器人智能皮肤”（SSfEC）项目，为月球、火星及在轨任务中的机器人手臂开发3D打印多功能防护层。该层可抵御-150°C至120°C极端温差、磨蚀性月尘和太阳辐射。丹麦技术研究所（DTI）牵头，联合匈牙利Admatis、波兰PIAP Space和卢森堡Redwire Space Europe，两年内完成在类太空条件下的功能验证。项目总预算165万欧元。3D打印支撑框架可集成热防护、防尘、柔性线缆、碰撞传感器和人机交互增强功能，未来可降低太空机器人制造成本，并有望溢出至铸造厂等地面极端环境。