Andrew Gadsden is no stranger to the space sector. The associate professor at McMaster has a history of bridging his mechanical engineering expertise and space exploration in innovative ways. His work with NASA is but one of his endeavours, with the latest taking shape in collaboration with MDA Space and supported by a new grant.
The project – Advancing Space Robotics: Virtual Sensors and Condition Monitoring – is funded by NSERC Alliance, Mitacs Accelerate and MDA Space. It will bring together the Intelligent and Cognitive Engineering (ICE) Laboratory at McMaster and the global industry leader in space robotics and trusted space mission industry partner, to collaborate on improving robotic systems.
“McMaster Engineering is excited to collaborate with MDA Space on this great project,” says Carlos Filipe, Associate Dean, Research, Innovation and Partnerships. “Our growing recognition in both applied and theoretical space research is further solidified by this project, showcasing our expanding expertise and influence in the field.”
Robotics in orbit
The use of robotics in space exploration has shifted how missions are conducted beyond Earth’s atmosphere. Robotic arms, such as the Canadarm and Canadarm2, as well Canadarm3 which is now in development at MDA Space, play a crucial role in the manipulation, installation and extraction of payloads aboard space stations, explains Gadsden.
“Ensuring the reliability and safety of these arms through effective anomaly detection and diagnosis is paramount given the challenging and inaccessible environment in which they operate,” says Paul Grouchy, Director of AI at MDA Space
Work is underway between McMaster and MDA Space researchers on this project to develop and apply novel virtual sensors and artificial intelligence-based techniques on the next-generation of space robotic arms for improved operational performance and reliability, as well as to reduce the overall system cost.
“McMaster University’s engineering department is supporting MDA Space’s initiative to develop cost-effective virtual sensors for commercial robotic space arms, offering faculty and graduate students with expertise in hardware design and AI-driven innovations,” says Nader Abu El Samid, engineer at MDA Space.
Out-of-this world graduate student training
Gadsden, who also serves as the Associate Chair of graduate studies in mechanical engineering, says he is most excited for the opportunities afforded to his graduate students through this project.
“The partnership provides opportunities for graduate students to gain valuable hands-on experience in cutting-edge robotics facilities in the Greater Toronto Area,” Gadsden says. “Students will be able to interact with technical experts and gain an insight into the space industry. They’ll be contributing to the advancement of Canada’s global leadership in space robotics.”
Alex McCafferty-Leroux is one of the PhD students in Gadsden’s lab who will be participating in this project. He is also working on the High-Altitude Aircraft Mounted Robotic (HAAMR) telescope mount project with NASA and recently returned from a two-week visit to the United States National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in Maryland. He shares how valuable these partnerships between McMaster Engineering and leading space sector industry have been to his education.
“It has been the learning experience of a lifetime being able to collaborate with these companies and institutions,” says McCafferty-Leroux. “Not only am I receiving practical robotics expertise and guidance from a team of experienced professionals; I get to contribute to important scientific milestones in Canadian space exploration.”