NASA Contest: Design a “Smart” Positioning and Attachment Mechanism

Status: Closed
Prize: $4000
Entries Received: 20
Winner: Calixdesign

Winner

Contest Brief

Design a “Smart” Positioning and Attachment Mechanism (SPAM)

In this challenge, you are asked to design a “smart” positioning and attachment mechanism (SPAM) that will be mounted to the free end of a separately designed robotic arm. The SPAM receives all power and high-level commands through its interface to the robotic arm, but implements the below functions autonomously.

How it works: Initially, the SPAM will be packed in its stowed configuration. Once activated, the SPAM must be capable of autonomously performing three high-level actions:
1) unpack from its stowed configuration, move the remaining distance to a specified Handrail location, and then attach itself to the Handrail,
2) maintain its hold on the handrail for an extended period of time,
3) retract itself from the handrail and return to the initial stowed configuration.

Click on the attachments below to see
1) the SPAM Problem Description, which provides more detailed instructions about all the requirements your design needs to meet;
2) SPAM Solution Guidelines, which details the format an content that your submission must follow; and
3) the templates that are referenced in the solution guidelines. Microsoft Excel and Open Office Calc formats are attached below.

Challenge rules:
- The prize will be awarded for the lowest mass, technically feasible solution, submitted by the contest deadline.
- No working prototype is required for submission, but the design must be sufficiently detailed to allow experts to assess the feasibility of your design (i.e., comply with all requirements) and the credibility of your mass estimate.
- Only complete submission packages will be evaluated (see attachments).

NASA may select multiple winners or provide additional prize compensation on entries that are particularly novel or innovative.

NASA will be available to respond to clarifying questions, but feedback on quality is otherwise limited.
All complete submissions will be confirmed with 3-star ratings.
Note that final judgement of quality and winners will only happen after the submission deadline.

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Winner

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Employer Feedback

“Calix K. developed an innovative design for a "Smart Positioning and Attachment mechanism for a robotic arm for a free flying robot designed for the International" Space Station. This was a contest and this design was selected from 39 entries as the most feasible and least mass design. Calix K. provided an impressive design submission and has been very responsive in providing everything that is needed.”

nasacoeci, United States.

Top entries from this contest

maximyudayev Belgium

2
Psytest Australia

0
TriassicXYZ India

0
AlexL12 Israel

0
Zumake Venezuela

0
fbcouto Brazil

0
engAngelov Bulgaria

0
FilipFrostFang Macedonia

0
ashishnalpady007 India

0
diangio Greece

0
Antumi Spain

0
createwithwisdom India

0
ganimollah Bangladesh

0
EdenElements Italy

0
Calixdesign Hong Kong

4
alexradchen Ukraine

0

View More Entries

Public Clarification Board

Contest Holder
- 5 years ago
Please join us in congratulating Calix K. as the winner for this challenge. Thanks to all of the participants for all of your hard work on this challenge. We were very impressed by some of the great designs submitted for this contest and the evaluation was not easy. We hope that many of you will participate in the rest of the challenges that we will be posting over the next month or so.
- 5 years ago
View 1 more message
1. TriassicXYZ
  - 5 years ago
  Congratulations Calix K.
  - 5 years ago
2. ashishnalpady007
  - 5 years ago
  Congrats Calix for the prize. We wish you all the best for all your hardwork. Also your presentation is good and elaborative. The design looks cute and elegant. Well done calix !
  - 5 years ago
Calixdesign
- 5 years ago
Thank you very much.
- 5 years ago
kgaurab14
- 5 years ago
I had requested for extension of 2 days more. Now it is impossible on my part to submit the project now. Is there any problem if I don't submit for the present challenge as I have clicked that I will submit later. but work on the future challenges that you are going to launch.
- 5 years ago
1. Contest Holder
  - 5 years ago
  Hey Gaurab, Sorry that we were not able to extend the contest further. It is not a problem that you did not submit for this one. You are welcome to participate in any of our current or future challenges. We wish you the best of luck.
  - 5 years ago
ashishnalpady007
- 5 years ago
Pls extend the duration. AstroBee is readyfrm my side. Pls give the prizes.
- 5 years ago
1. Contest Holder
  - 5 years ago
  Sorry, but his contest is closed. However, we do have 5 open contests and will be launching more. We are evaluating the entries from this contest and will be awarding in 1-2 weeks. Thanks.
  - 5 years ago
Contest Holder
- 5 years ago
This contest is now closed. Thank you all for your submissions and all of the hard work. If you have not provided an exit survey code yet with your submission, you may still provide that code via the chat. We just launched 4 more challenges, so hopefully you can get some rest and consider engaging on these new challenges.
- 5 years ago
Contest Holder
- 5 years ago
We have launched 4 new challenges and are updating the landing page shortly: https://www.freelancer.com/contest/NASA-Contest-Design-an-Electrically-Driven-Clamp-1328523.html https://www.freelancer.com/contest/NASA-Contest-Design-a-Mechanically-Driven-Clamp-1328522.html https://www.freelancer.com/contest/NASA-Contest-Design-a-Smart-Coarsepositioning-Arm-1328497.html https://www.freelancer.com/contest/NASA-Contest-Design-a-Smart-FinePositioning-Arm-1328489.html
- 5 years ago
kgaurab14
- 5 years ago
#extended, as requested earlier kindly provide two more days if possible. I have actually solved the problem. Have covered every aspect. only one confusion "Attach" means "SPAM will only touch the Handrail or hold the Handrail". Our doubt is "ATTACH" (attach is hold or touch only). will do the last part accordingly.
- 5 years ago
1. Contest Holder
  - 5 years ago
  The SPAM does touch two things technically. The SPAM is connected to the Astrobee and receives data and power through that interface. This interface never changes. The SPAM attaches to the ISS Handrail when it is commanded to and must later release from that handrail too.
  - 5 years ago
kgaurab14
- 5 years ago
Sorry I didn't ask properly. I mean "Attach" means "SPAM will only touch the Handrail or hold the Handrail". Our doubt is "ATTACH" (attach is hold or touch only)
- 5 years ago
1. Contest Holder
  - 5 years ago
  The SPAM does touch two things technically. The SPAM is connected to the Astrobee and receives data and power through that interface. This interface never changes. The SPAM attaches to the ISS Handrail when it is commanded to and must later release from that handrail too.
  - 5 years ago
kgaurab14
- 5 years ago
U did not understand my question. I actually wanted to know that the attachment is for data transfer of holding is also required. I have a confusion with my friend that attach means holding or only touch the handrail for data transfer. Our project is almost complete needs only clarification.
- 5 years ago
View 1 more message
1. TriassicXYZ
  - 5 years ago
  R1.5 : "The SPAM shall be considered attached when it if fixed to the Handrail. Fixed is defined as being able to resist slipping or twisting when subjected to normal operating loads..."
  - 5 years ago
2. Contest Holder
  - 5 years ago
  The Attachment to the ISS Handrail is purely a physical attachment to the Handrail. No data needs to be transferred between the SPAM and the Handrail. There is a power and data connection, as well as a physical attachment to the Astrobee.
  - 5 years ago
alexradchen
- 5 years ago
I am think little not honest - expand time in last day. i plan my schedule and make my solution at 1week. but each other now have +1 extraweek. :(
- 5 years ago
alexradchen
- 5 years ago
Hello.
- 5 years ago
Contest Holder
- 5 years ago
We just made deadline adjustments for our active contests, however, please note that we are now hoping to stick to our scheduled deadlines. Thanks.
- 5 years ago
1. anandvelandy3
  - 5 years ago
  ok!
  - 5 years ago
kgaurab14
- 5 years ago
after completing my task one of my friend suggested something better. can we both submit a joint application?
- 5 years ago
1. Contest Holder
  - 5 years ago
  Yes, but the design will have to be submitted under a single user ID and you will be responsible for dividing any winnings. You are also allowed to submit multiple designs.
  - 5 years ago
kgaurab14
- 5 years ago
Is the day extended? what do you mean by "1 week and 1 day remaining"
- 5 years ago
1. maximyudayev
  - 5 years ago
  The new deadline is now on July 19th, 2018 at 13:00 GMT
  - 5 years ago
2. Contest Holder
  - 5 years ago
  Correct. Thanks Maxim.
  - 5 years ago
Myrds
- 5 years ago
#extended, kindly consider extending, maybe about 2-3 days. I am still currently finalizing the 3D and circuit design. Just need additional time for the documentation. Thank you.
- 5 years ago
View 1 more message
1. Myrds
  - 5 years ago
  Atleast 2 days extension for the document creation would be great.. Thank you. And just curious, why does NASA not request for design files like stp, stl sch or brd files. It would be much faster for submission specially when it comes to documentation (for some of the details in the documents does not need to be included anymore). Also, it would be faster for NASA to build the design if chosen, for files are already readily available to use, like for example, stl files can be used for 3D Printing.
  - 5 years ago
2. Contest Holder
  - 5 years ago
  The Freelancer platform only accepts submisssions in certain file types (PDF, JPEG, etc.) and it is assigned at the time of launch. For this contest, we selected PDF since it was the best way to provide both graphic representation and the next that is needed. Note that this also protects the intellectual property of those Freelancer submitting if they are not selected as the winner. The selected contest winner does get a request to upload their design source files that you list. Hopefully this clarifies. Thanks.
  - 5 years ago
lahiruCAD
- 5 years ago
#extended please
- 5 years ago
1. Contest Holder
  - 5 years ago
  We are working to extend. Stay tuned.
  - 5 years ago
anandvelandy3
- 5 years ago
#extended, kindly consider.
- 5 years ago
View 2 more messages
1. Contest Holder
  - 5 years ago
  We are working extending. Stay tuned.
  - 5 years ago
2. anandvelandy3
  - 5 years ago
  Waiting anxiously for the extension Houston....
  - 5 years ago
maximyudayev
- 5 years ago
Hello, I am an engineering student, just finished examinations for this year and would like to attempt at this project. Any chance for #extended ? (P.S. No need to respond; same question already answered)
- 5 years ago
TriassicXYZ
- 5 years ago
Need some more time, thanks for considering an extension
- 5 years ago
moshiur1995
- 5 years ago
Extend a week Please ....
- 5 years ago
1. Contest Holder
  - 5 years ago
  We are working extending. Stay tuned.
  - 5 years ago
anandvelandy3
- 5 years ago
hi, do the gripper portion of SPAM have to be made modular as the AM/SAM?
- 5 years ago
1. anandvelandy3
  - 5 years ago
  like separate DSUB and fitting interface plate at gripper portion of SPAM?
  - 5 years ago
2. Contest Holder
  - 5 years ago
  You may design SPAM however you see fit. The only required interfaces are detailed in the interface section 4.
  - 5 years ago
kgaurab14
- 5 years ago
Hi two more questions. 1st question is "do I need to do the software part(like how command will be received, the technology for sensing or detecting etc.). 2nd question is "It is mentioned at C11 about excessive force. What actually is excessive force"
- 5 years ago
1. Contest Holder
  - 5 years ago
  "1) You do need to indicate how the SPAM interprets signals in the submission document.
  
  2) The excessive force refers to the astronaut contingency forces."
  - 5 years ago
artnimator
- 5 years ago
one star means?, if you need to extend the contest pls do i'm doing something seriously, :)
- 5 years ago
1. Contest Holder
  - 5 years ago
  One star means that the submission guidelines have not been followed and the submission is incomplete. If you have a complete submission (including all required sections and survey exit code), it will be rated 3 stars.
  - 5 years ago
Myrds
- 5 years ago
Hello, I just wanna confirm something, the first 3 contest was extended. Will this contest be extended as well? I am still hoping though that I would be able to submit on time, extended or not.
- 5 years ago
1. Contest Holder
  - 5 years ago
  There are currently no plans to extend since we still have a full week to go.
  - 5 years ago
Contest Holder
- 5 years ago
FYI...We have opened our next contest :"Design a Positioning Software Architecture" at https://www.freelancer.com/contest/NASA-Contest-Design-a-Positioning-Software-Architecture-1328512.html.
- 5 years ago
1. EdenElements
  - 5 years ago
  Hello, I think this challenge is referred to SPAM project, so I'm quite confused about the fixed robotic arm design in your problem description. I know the architecture of a software will allow you to modify it according to your needs, but probably your SPAM choice will not be much different from the fixed one. I am inclined to think that this fact will penalize those who, like me, will present a design that is conceptually different from the one fixed. While many others will be encouraged to present a copy of the one already presented here.
  - 5 years ago
kgaurab14
- 5 years ago
Hi......1st question is do I need to have fingers like in other robots have or any shape and any new structure will do. 2nd the question is will the SPAM pack itself into the Stowage volume or SPAM along with arm pack itself into the Stowage volume
- 5 years ago