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Cargo Manipulation
Cargo Manipulation
Cargo manipulation technologies include surface functions to offload, upload, and position cargo payloads. Cargo manipulation technologies can offload cargo from (1) the lander to the surface, (2) the lander to a mobile agent for relocation, or (3) a mobile agent to the surface. Technologies may be mounted to the lander, a mobile agent, or the surface. NASA investments in cargo manipulation technologies include systems that are commanded by tele-operation, scripted commands, or autonomous operations. Some systems can support crew operations while others offer passive offloading solutions.
| Civil Space Shortfalls | SF16 |
| ESDMD Architecture-Driven Technology Gaps | 0806 |
| Primary Technology Taxonomy | TX04.3 |
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Lightweight Surface Manipulation System (LSMS)
 | Description Scalable autonomous robotic 4 DOF cargo manipulation (with wrist attachment) Potential Use Cases Offloading (35 kg to 1000+ kg, reach 2.25 m to 8+ m), uploading (35 kg to 1000+ kg, reach 2.25 m to 8+ m) Lifting Capability 100s kg to 1000s kg TRL: 4 Intended Environment: Moon, Mars Technology Source: NASA Discover More at TechPort  |
Telehandler
 | Description Mobile, semi-autonomous cargo offloading with 4 DOF manipulation Potential Use Cases Offloading (2500 kg, reach 3.5 m), uploading (2500 kg, reach 3.5 m), cargo transport Lifting Capability 100s kg to 1000s kg TRL: 3 Intended Environment: Moon, Mars Technology Source: NASA |
Robotic Efficient Arm for Cargo Handling (Apptronik Inc.)
 | Description Autonomous and crew assisted cargo offloading, 5 DOF manipulation Potential Use Cases Offloading (115 kg, reach 2 m), uploading (115 kg, reach 2 m), assisting crew operations Lifting Capability 100s kg to 1000s kg TRL: 4 Intended Environment: Moon, Mars Technology Source: Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Discover More at TechPort |
Mars Insight Instrument Deployment Arm
 | Description Small-scale cargo manipulation and scientific sample collection, 4 DOF manipulation Potential Use Cases Scientific sample collection, small payload offloading (9.5 kg, reach 1.8 m), uploading (9.5 kg, reach 1.8 m) Lifting Capability 10 kg TRL: 9 Intended Environment: Mars Technology Source: NASA Read More About NASA’s Robotic Arm |
xWalker (MOTIV Space Systems)
 | Description Enhanced inspection and manipulation for lunar assembly, Small-scale 7 DOF manipulation Potential Use Cases Small payload offloading, uploading, manipulation Lifting Capability 10 kg TRL: 5 Intended Environment: Moon Technology Source: Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Discover More at TechPort |
Cold Operable Lunar Deployable Arm (COLDARM)
 | Description Small-scale offloading and scientific tasks with bulk metallic gears and cold operable motor controllers are transferable to other robotic agents, 4 DOF manipulation Potential Use Cases Small scale offloading (4 kg, reach 2 m), uploading (4 kg, reach 2 m), scientific sample collection Lifting Capability 10 kg TRL: 6 Intended Environment: Moon Technology Source: NASA Discover More at TechPort |
Mars Perserverance Robotic Arm
 | Description Small-scale cargo manipulation and scientific sample collection, 5 DOF manipulation Potential Use Cases Scientific sample collection, small payload offloading (45 kg, reach 2 m), uploading (45 kg, reach 2 m) Lifting Capability 10 kg TRL: 9 Intended Environment: Mars Technology Source: NASA Read More About NASA’s Robotic Arm |
Athlete Rover
 | Description Heavy-lift utility vehicle with 6 DOF limbs, each with a 1 DOF wheel attached Potential Use Cases Payload offloading (100s-1000s kg), uploading (100s- 1000s kg), cargo mobility TRL: 5 Intended Environment: Moon Technology Source: NASA Discover More at TechPort |
Regolith Immune Linear Actuator Family (APECH Labs)
 | Description A suite of linear actuators designed to achieve full immunity to the lunar environment, including dust Potential Use Cases Cargo conveyance and other surface logistics operations TRL: 4 Intended Environment: Moon Technology Source: Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Discover More at TechPort |
Distributed Extreme Environments Drive System (DEEDS) (Motive Space Systems)
 | Description Actuation system for use across a broad spectrum of use cases including ISRU systems, robotics, cargo offloading, and mobile vehicles on the lunar and Martian surfaces Potential Use Cases Logistics element/asset actuation TRL: 7 Intended Environment: Moon, Mars Technology Ownership: Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Discover More at TechPort |
