Can SPLITTER Jumping Robot Explore Space? UCLA Says Yes

Leaping into Space: UCLA Researchers Develop Revolutionary “SPLITTER” Robot

Tired of slow, cumbersome rovers crawling across the moon and asteroids? UCLA researchers have a solution: SPLITTER, a revolutionary new robotic system that leaps through space by using a tether! Imagine two quadrupedal robots connected like a dumbbell, bouncing from crater to crater, collecting data along the way. This innovative design, set to debut at the 2025 IEEE Aerospace Conference, promises a faster, more agile way to explore our celestial neighbors.

SPLITTER’s Aircraft Design: Jumping Beyond Traditional Limits

SPLITTER’s unique design is what sets it apart. Instead of relying on clunky wheels, it consists of two robots, called Hemi-SPLITTERs, connected by a tether. This tether acts as a stabilizing force while in mid-air. Furthermore, it eliminates the need for extra attitude control methods like thrusters or reaction wheels, making SPLITTER more efficient.

The robots can dynamically adjust their inertia (think of it as their “weight distribution”) by changing limb positions and the tether’s length, ensuring a smooth and stable flight. This approach is meticulously designed to overcome the limitations of traditional rovers, which are often slow and inflexible and the impracticality of drones, lacking the atmosphere to propel them through space.

Splitting the Air: How SPLITTER Takes Off

The magic behind SPLITTER’s movement lies in its “inertial morphing” mechanism. It uses a clever technique based on a Model Predictive Controller (MPC) and the Tennis Racket Theorem (also known as the Dzhanibekov effect).

Think of it like spinning a tennis racket – it naturally rotates. SPLITTER harnesses this principle to control its mid-air orientation. By carefully manipulating its inertia, the robot can maintain stability without relying on external forces.

Lead author Yusuke Tanaka explains this innovative method allows for more aggressive stability during flight, making exploration much smoother.

SPLITTER: The Future of Planetary Exploration?

The possibilities for SPLITTER are exciting. Think swarms of these robots exploring vast, uncharted terrains. One unit could even venture into treacherous craters or caves while the other stays anchored for support.

Team RoMeLa is actively working on enhancing SPLITTER’s hardware, including adding new actuators and sensors. They are also utilizing high-fidelity simulations to further refine the inertial morphing technique. The ultimate goal? To equip SPLITTER with the necessary tools to become a reality on future space missions.