A prototype micro-autonomous positioning system for mirror deployment within multi-object instruments

W. D. Taylor; D. C. Atkinson; W. A. Cochrane; D. M. Montgomery; H. Schnetler; T. E. C. Baillie; S. Clausen

doi:10.1117/12.856723

21 July 2010 A prototype micro-autonomous positioning system for mirror deployment within multi-object instruments

W. D. Taylor, D. C. Atkinson, W. A. Cochrane, D. M. Montgomery, H. Schnetler, T. E. C. Baillie, S. Clausen

Proceedings Volume 7739, Modern Technologies in Space- and Ground-based Telescopes and Instrumentation; 77391D (2010) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.856723
Event: SPIE Astronomical Telescopes + Instrumentation, 2010, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

The complexity and size of instruments for next generation telescopes demands innovative approaches to existing problems. Within this framework, we present MAPS; a Micro Autonomous Positioning System for mirror deployment in an E-ELT instrument such as EAGLE. The micro-robots have a 25mmx25mm footprint and utilise RF communications and small rechargeable batteries to be completely wireless. Coarse positioning and fine alignment is achieved through the use of miniature gear motors and gearheads. Positional information is determined externally and corrective motions relayed to the robots. This paper reports on the challenges which such a system presents, current developments, and areas of expected future research.

Citation Download Citation

W. D. Taylor, D. C. Atkinson, W. A. Cochrane, D. M. Montgomery, H. Schnetler, T. E. C. Baillie, and S. Clausen "A prototype micro-autonomous positioning system for mirror deployment within multi-object instruments", Proc. SPIE 7739, Modern Technologies in Space- and Ground-based Telescopes and Instrumentation, 77391D (21 July 2010); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.856723

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