The Canadian Space Agency's contribution to the International Space Station is the Mobile Servicing System (MSS) and a Special Purpose Dexterous Manipulator, two handed 21 degree of freedom robot that will perform maintenance tasks on the space station. The MSS and SPDM will be remotely controlled by Space Station astronauts, or from a ground station. The MSS is being used to assemble and service the Space Station.

As an extension of the astronauts' limbs, the advanced robotic limbs could perform tasks that require human dexterity but lacked one critical feature - a sense of touch. In the absence of tactile feedback the arms could collide when working in close proximity or a robotic hand could inadvertently crush an object in its grasp if an astronaut misjudges size, distance or other visual cues.

Recognizing this sensing challenge Canpolar East Inc. developed KINOTEX® for the Canadian Space Agency. KINOTEX® is a robust, compliant sensor that emulates human touch, and could cover the entire robotic limbs like a skin to provide tactile feedback required by the astronauts. Now KINOTEX® is available for terrestrial applications. Explore this Web page further to discover the KINOTEX® opportunities.