When astronauts fall, the SuperLimbs system, which includes a backpack and robotic legs, will help them quickly get back on their feet despite the bulky space suits.
NASA shares a video capturing astronauts’ falls on the Moon. (Video: NASA).
Engineers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have collaborated with NASA to develop the SuperLimbs system, featuring robotic legs resembling spider limbs extending from a backpack to lift fallen astronauts off the ground, as reported by Newsweek on May 16. This could be crucial for missions on the Moon, where the gravity is only 1/6th that of Earth, making it difficult for astronauts to stand up after a fall due to their cumbersome space suits.
“Astronauts are physically fit, but they will face challenges on the Moon, where gravity is only 1/6th of Earth’s, yet their inertia remains the same. Moreover, wearing a space suit is a significant burden that restricts movement. We want to provide a safe solution for astronauts to regain their footing if they fall,” said Harry Asada, a professor of mechanical engineering at MIT.
The motors, robotic limbs, and controls of the SuperLimbs system are housed within a backpack. The backpack also contains a life support system and will be worn on the astronaut’s back. Researchers have developed a prototype and tested it with individuals dressed in suits similar to space suits. They found that with the assistance of the robotic limbs, users could stand up from a sitting or lying position more easily.
“It feels like there’s an extra force moving with you. Imagine wearing a backpack and someone grabbing the top and pulling you up,” said researcher Erik Ballesteros at MIT.
The SuperLimbs system helps astronauts easily stand up after falling on the Moon. (Photo: MIT).
Scientists hope that SuperLimbs will help astronauts conserve energy during outdoor activities on the Moon. This is especially important for Artemis – the program aimed at bringing humans back to the Moon after half a century. Artemis astronauts are focused on establishing the first long-term base on the Moon, which will require good physical fitness, making energy conservation crucial.
“During the Apollo missions, 80% of falls occurred while astronauts were digging or performing some tasks with tools. The Artemis missions will focus on building and excavation, so the risk of falling will be significantly higher. We believe SuperLimbs can help them get back up, allowing them to work more efficiently and extend their outdoor activities,” Ballesteros added.
The MIT team has been researching SuperLimbs for over a decade. They are currently collaborating with NASA to adapt the system for use on the Moon. They hope to further improve the design at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and test it in low-gravity environments with real space suits.
