Space Robotics
Our research
Space exploration presents extreme challenges for humans, including extreme environments and radiation, as well as the lack of air. Robots provide an ideal solution, as they excel in tasks that are dirty, dangerous and dull.
Led by Dr Michelle Dunn, our team brings together expertise from multiple engineering disciplines to develop robotic solutions for extraterrestrial (literally “located outside the earth”) applications.
Our research is supported by Swinburne’s cutting-edge facilities, including a thermal vacuum chamber for lunar dust testing at sub-zero temperatures, as well as advanced mechanical and electronics workshops.
Current projects
Swinburne is part of the consortium selected to develop Australia’s first lunar rover– the Roo-ver. Our team is contributing expertise in dust mitigation and radiation shielding to enhance the rover’s longevity in the harsh lunar environment.
Our team is at the forefront of lunar dust mitigation research – developing both active and passive technologies to protect robotic systems from the abrasive and electrostatically charged lunar regolith.
We are currently collaborating with Stuttgart University to integrate dust mitigation solutions into a tethered lunar robot to enhance its durability and performance in the harsh lunar environment.
In collaboration with Leidos, our team designed an innovative robotic system for constructing a telescope on the far side of the Moon.
As part of this project, we developed and prototyped a mobile robot capable of climbing steep and unstable crater walls while deploying cables to assemble the telescope’s mesh.
We support the Swinburne Rover Team in the Australian Rover Challenge – an internationally recognised competition where university students design, build and operate a lunar rover.
This hands-on experience in mission planning and space robotics helps train the next generation of robotics and mechatronics engineers.
Explore our other research programs
Contact the Space Technology and Industry Institute
If your organisation would like to collaborate with us to solve a complex problem, or you simply want to contact our team, get in touch by calling +61 3 9214 5177 or emailing spaceinstitute@swinburne.edu.au.