Seminars

Abstract:
Recent advances in robotics and automation technologies and their impact on space systems forms the subject of this talk. Research issues at the interfaces of mechanics, perception and control of distributed multi-agent systems to support the autonomous space operations are discussed. Recently developed robotic systems called transforming proximity operation and docking systems (TPODS) are used as representative case studies for the ballistic 3D printing of space systems for innovative space structures. Novel path planning and optimization approaches to deploy the multi-agent systems to detumble space objects are discussed and collision avoidance approaches are outlined. Systems analysis approaches for collision assessment are surmised. Scalable perception and localization technologies that use a combination of vision based and radio frequency solutions are detailed. The use of probabilistic graphical models to automate the multi-agent systems in an uncertain environment is elaborated. Prototype experiments that integrate flexible electronics, embedded compute elements, and novel structural system concepts are used to validate the design reference missions of the spacecraft technologies developed by the team. Robotic platforms used to emulate spacecraft motions at Texas A&M’s Land, Air, and Space Robotics (LASR) laboratory are discussed to demonstrate key advances in autonomous space systems and the operational engineering research problems.

Bio:
Manoranjan Majji is the Edward ‘Pete’ Aldridge Professor of Aerospace Engineering and the Space Exploration Faculty Fellow at Texas A&M. He directs the Land, Air and Space Robotics (LASR) Laboratory at Texas A&M University. He received his M.S. and Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering from Texas A&M and B.E. (Hons.) in Mechanical Engineering from Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani, India. He has a diverse background in several aspects of dynamics and control of aerospace vehicles with expertise spanning the whole spectrum of analysis, modeling, computations and experiments. In the areas of space robotics, nonlinear estimation and system identification, he has made fundamental contributions documented in over 200 publications (including 56 archival articles). Manoranjan is an Associate Fellow of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) a senior member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), and is a Fellow of the American Astronautical Society (AAS). His teaching contributions were recognized with the Milton Plesur Teaching Award for Excellence in Teaching at the University at Buffalo.