India's RRM-TD Robotic Arm Becomes Operational Aboard POEM-4, Advancing Space Robotics in Thiruvananthapuram

Jan 4, 2025, 05:57 AM

India's first space robotic arm, named RRM-TD (Robotic Refueling Mission Technology Demonstrator), is now operational aboard the POEM-4 spacecraft. This milestone, celebrated as a significant achievement for the Make in India initiative, showcases advancements in space robotics by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). The RRM-TD is designed to operate in space conditions and features a unique movement mechanism that mimics a worm, allowing it to navigate and attach to various grappling points in a zero-gravity environment. The robotic arm was developed by ISRO's Inertial Systems Unit located in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. This development is part of ISRO's broader efforts to enhance capabilities in off-world environments, aligning with global trends in robotic space exploration.