With this technology, robots will be able to carefully move scrap metal into a special orbit or further into
The concept involves moving metalnon-magnetized objects in space using rotating magnets. When metal debris is exposed to a changing magnetic field, electrons circulate in the metal in circular loops, just like when you spin a cup of coffee, the contents also spin and spin, says University of Utah mechanical engineering professor Jake J. Abbott.
This process turns the debris into an electromagnet, which in turn creates torque and force, allowing you to control where the debris goes without physically grabbing onto it.
Although the idea of using these types of magneticcurrents to manipulate objects in space are not new, Abbott and his team have found that the coordinated use of multiple sources of magnetic field allows them to move objects six degrees. including their rotation. Previously, it was only known how to move them one degree of movement, for example, just push them.
“We wanted to manipulate this object, not just push it, but actually interact with it in the same way as we do on Earth,” says the scientist.
With this new knowledge, scientists, for example, could stop the sharp rotation of a damaged satellite in order to repair it, which was previously impossible.
This method also allows scientists to manipulateespecially fragile objects. While the robotic arm can damage the object. The magnets will apply a softer force to the entire object, so no section will be damaged.
To test their research, the teamused a series of magnets to move a copper ball on a plastic raft in a water tank (the best way to simulate slow moving objects in microgravity). The magnets moved the sphere not only along the square, but also rotated the ball.
Abbott says this newly discovered trialcan be used with a rotating magnet on a robot arm, a stationary magnet that creates rotating magnetic fields, or a rotating superconducting electromagnet like those used in MRI scanners.
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