SMARTER | Omnifactory

CASE STUDIES

SMARTER

SPACE MANUFACTURING, ASSEMBLY AND REPAIR TECHNOLOGY, EXPLOITATION AND REALISATION

The SMARTER project explored the potential of intelligent, automated and reconfigurable systems to enable manufacturing, assembly and repair operations in space.

Running from January 2018 to March 2020, the project delivered proof of concept and feasibility studies for a future “factory in space”, demonstrating how robotics, artificial intelligence and digital manufacturing technologies could transform space operations.

If implemented, SMARTER’s innovations could help reduce launch costs, extend asset life, and enable future missions including in-orbit construction, satellite repair and even planetary habitation.

Current spacecraft and satellite designs are constrained by the rigours of launch — including intense acceleration and vibration — which force engineers to over-design and over-engineer assets for survival rather than optimal performance once in orbit.

These constraints increase costs, limit scalability and make space missions less sustainable. Additionally, large space structures must fit within rocket payload fairings, often requiring complex folding and deployment mechanisms that add further risk and expense.

SMARTER addressed these challenges by investigating how reconfigurable autonomous robotic systems could assemble, maintain and repair structures directly in orbit, eliminating the need for large, rigid payloads and enabling lighter, modular, more sustainable spacecraft.
The project sought to define the technologies, methodologies and system architectures required to make in-space manufacturing a viable reality.

Its main objectives were to:

Define requirements for robotic systems, situational awareness and artificial intelligence to enable autonomous space manufacturing

Deliver and virtually demonstrate a space manufacturing system integration plan

Demonstrate technologies for additive manufacturing, electronics assembly and structural assembly for space use

Explore data fusion, analytics and situational awareness for robotic coordination

Apply the digital principles from the Evolvable Assembly Systems (EAS) project to in-space contexts

Conduct feasibility studies on context-aware manufacturing system integration

Identify technology gaps and produce roadmaps for future space-based manufacturing research
The SMARTER consortium brought together partners from both manufacturing and space technology sectors to demonstrate how terrestrial automation principles could be adapted for use in orbit.

The project achieved several key outcomes:

Proof of concept and feasibility for in-space automated assembly and repair

System requirements defined for robotic control, situational awareness and AI integration

Additive manufacturing and structural assembly demonstrations relevant to microgravity environments

Technology roadmaps developed for future in-orbit manufacturing and servicing missions

A ground-based assembly demonstration, validating the potential for autonomous multi-robot coordination in space applications

SMARTER built upon the digital frameworks established in earlier projects such as Evolvable Assembly Systems and WingLIFT, extending their methodologies to extraterrestrial manufacturing environments.
The SMARTER consortium brought together partners from both manufacturing and space technology sectors to demonstrate how terrestrial automation principles could be adapted for use in-orbit.

The project achieved several key outcomes:

Proof of concept and feasibility for in-space automated assembly and repair

System requirements defined for robotic control, situational awareness and AI integration

Additive manufacturing and structural assembly demonstrations relevant to microgravity environments

Technology roadmaps developed for future in-orbit manufacturing and servicing missions

A ground-based assembly demonstration, validating the potential for autonomous multi-robot coordination in space applications

SMARTER built upon the digital frameworks established in earlier projects such as Evolvable Assembly Systems and WingLIFT, extending their methodologies to extraterrestrial manufacturing environments.
The outcomes of the SMARTER project established a foundation for future space-based production and maintenance capabilities. By proving the feasibility of intelligent, reconfigurable robotic systems for space use, the project has paved the way for a new generation of orbital and planetary infrastructure development.

Potential applications include:

In-orbit manufacturing of replacement parts and tools, reducing logistical dependency on Earth

Construction of large space structures, including satellites, telescopes and future habitats

In-situ repair and maintenance, extending the operational life of satellites and spacecraft

Reduced launch mass and cost, enabling smaller, modular payloads assembled in orbit

Sustainable space operations, lowering waste and resource consumption

By bridging the gap between advanced manufacturing research and space technology, SMARTER contributes to the UK’s strategic ambition to become a leader in off-Earth production and sustainable spaceflight.