Launch of Robotic Fish to the Space: Development of Autonomous Cleaning Robot in the International Space Station

Abstract

This paper describes development of autonomous robot to clean dust in the International Space Station. Clean robot having an autonomous flight control and navigation in Japanese Experiment Module named “KIBO”. And, it has function to collect dust which can't be recovered by ISS air conditioning. In this study, the authors chose to fish shapes for cleaning robot. Elastic oscillation fin was realized to have high controllability and soft behavior of creatures. Robotic fish takes evasive action by detecting the astronauts, walls, and obstacles. Then, cleaning work continues safe in cabin. The purpose of robotic fish is to reduce the cleaning workload of astronauts. And, the basic technology contributes to establish autonomous flight control and navigation in zero gravity.