Dexterous Manipulation Capability
Fine-Dexterity Manipulator (Robonaut-Class)
The fine-dexterity manipulator is a 30-kilogram robotic arm and five-finger hand system designed to execute tasks requiring crew-equivalent dexterity using standard human tools. Constructed with an aluminum frame, 24 tactile sensor points, and force-feedback control, the unit consumes 100 watts and supports tele-operation from Earth. Maintaining its precision actuators and articulated joints is made difficult by the lunar vacuum, abrasive regolith, and 300 K temperature swings, which directly challenge the hardware's 15,000-hour mean time between failures and 15-year design lifetime.
Fine-dexterity manipulator (Robonaut-class) capable of human-tool operations for tasks requiring crew-equivalent dexterity.
Purpose
Fine-dexterity manipulator (Robonaut-class) capable of human-tool operations for tasks requiring crew-equivalent dexterity.
Context
Child of L2-ROB-REPR within the Lunar Ark system
Principles
- ▸Robonaut R2/R5-class dexterous arm + hand
- ▸5-finger hand with tactile feedback
- ▸Force feedback for delicate operations
- ▸Tele-operable from Earth for special tasks
- ▸Per NASA Robonaut heritage
Typical implementations
- ▸NASA Robonaut R2 / R5
- ▸DARPA RoboSimian
- ▸Industrial dexterous manipulation R&D
Lunar considerations
- ▸Tele-operation via L1-COM Earth link
- ▸Long-life fine-actuator mechanisms
- ▸Specialised tools handling
Specifications
Functional
| primary function | Fine-dexterity manipulator (Robonaut-class) capable of human-tool operations for tasks requiring crew-equivalent dexterity. |
| fingers | 5 |
| tactile points | 24 |
Physical
| mass kg | 30 |
| materials | Aluminum frame, Multi-finger hand, Tactile sensors |
| vacuum compatibility | True |
Operational
| power consumption w | 100 |
| thermal range c | -40, 70 |
| lifetime years | 15 |
| mtbf hours | 15000 |
Interfaces
Provides
- Crew-equivalent dexterity
Requires
- Fine actuators (~100 W)
Cite this entry
Lunar Ark Codex. "Dexterous Manipulation Capability" (L3-ROB-REPR-DEXT). Retrieved 10 September 2026, from https://lunarark.com/entry/L3-ROB-REPR-DEXT
Licensed CC-BY-SA 4.0. You may reuse and adapt this entry with attribution, under the same licence.