AI-In-Orbit-Factory (AIO) – Autonomous Production of Small Satellites in Space
01.08.2020
Concept of AI-In-Orbit-Factory – robotic assembly and test for satellite production in orbit
Project Overview
The AI-In-Orbit-Factory (AIO) is a joint research project aimed at developing a cyber-physical production system for the in-orbit manufacturing of small satellites. The focus is on integrating artificial intelligence, digital process twins and robotic assembly to realise flexible, autonomous production in space.
Project period: 08/2020 – 07/2022
Key Technical Features
- Development of a digital process twin to monitor and control all production activities of the in-orbit factory.
- Use of AI methods for optimized assembly and test procedures via robotic systems.
- Robotic assembly, integration and test (AIT) of modular small satellite components in orbit.
- Cyber-physical architecture enabling autonomous interaction between process participants and adaptive production.
- Preparation for next-generation follow-up project: ACOR – AI‑enabled Cyber‑Physical In‑Orbit Self‑Recovering Factory.
Consortium
- Technische Universität Darmstadt (Coordination)
- Technische Universität München
- Zentrum für Telematik e.V.
Future Outlook
The results of the AIO project feed directly into the follow-up initiative ACOR, which emphasises self-recovering processes and further autonomy for an in-orbit factory. line of research is pivotal for enabling next-generation satellite constellations, rapid on-demand satellite builds in orbit, and scalable space manufacturing capabilities.
Funding
The project was funded by the Deutsches Zentrum für Luft‑ und Raumfahrt (DLR) and the Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft und Energie (BMWi).
Publications (show)
Maximilian Mühlbauer, Florian Leutert, Christian Plesker, Luis Xaver Wiedmann, Alessandro Massimo Giordano, Joao Silverio, Thomas Hulin, Freek Stulp, Jonas Voges, Robert Knobloch, Klaus Schilling, Benjamin Schleich, Alin Albu-Schäffer
Proceedings of the International Astronautical Congress, IAC. International Astronautical Congress (IAC), 2024
(2024)
p. 1-16
https://elib.dlr.de/206962/
D. Bohlig, F. Leutert, F. Kempf, D. Möschwitzer, K. Schilling
Deutscher Luft- und Raumfahrtkongress 2022
(2022)
https://publikationen.dglr.de/?tx_dglrpublications_pi1[document_id]=570347
Florian Leutert, David Bohlig, Florian Kempf, Klaus Schilling,Maximilian Mühlbauer, Bengisu Ayan, Thomas Hulin, Freek Stulp, Alin Albu-Schäffer, Vladimir Kutscher, Christian Plesker, Thomas Dasbach, Stephan Damm, Reiner Anderl, Benjamin Schleich
Acta Astronautica, Volume 217, April 2024
(1970)
p. 1-17
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0094576524000195
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E-Mail: info(at)telematik-zentrum.de
