satellites

Adaptive In-Orbit Servicing of Altered Satellite Components

Adaptive In-Orbit Servicing of Altered Satellite Components

Adaptive gripper placement on altered components for servicing in-orbit satellites
Justus Rein ORCID Icon, Christian Plesker ORCID Icon, Adrian Reuther ORCID Icon, Hanyu Liu ORCID Icon, Benjamin Schleich ORCID Icon
In-orbit servicing of satellites presents several challenges as the satellite hardware is exposed to external influences throughout its life cycle. These factors wear down the components and cause changes to their physical structure. In such cases, the limits of simple dis- and reassembly steps may be reached, as the gripping surfaces are no longer present or suitable. This paper proposes an approach of an adaptive grip position estimation in a CubeSat disassembly process. The relevant components are identified using CAD models and a 3D camera. The gripping positions are determined based on the geometry of the gripper and the point cloud of the component.
Industry 4.0 Science | Volume 41 | Edition 6 | Pages 10-21 | DOI 10.30844/I4SE.25.6.10
Intelligent Load Carrier Management

Intelligent Load Carrier Management

AI-supported monitoring and reduction of losses in logistics
Dominik Augenstein, Lea Basler
Load carriers are essential for transporting manufactured parts in manufacturing companies. Despite their ‘simplicity’, they are usually expensive to purchase as they are manufactured expressly to fit purpose. While tracking methods such as GPS tracking can be used to prevent the loss of load carriers, this is associated with monitoring costs and presents challenges with regard to data protection as soon as the work performance of intralogistics employees is monitored. Assigning load carriers to designated clusters and monitoring these clusters provides an effective solution—without drawing conclusions about employee performance. Furthermore, artificial intelligence can optimize this approach whilst also deterring the theft of load carriers.
Industry 4.0 Science | Volume 41 | 2025 | Edition 2 | Pages 78-84