IBT: UC researchers developing AI robots to repair satellites
Engineering professor Ou Ma is developing robots that can work independently but collaboratively
The International Business Times talked to University of Cincinnati engineering professor Ou Ma about his research into satellites that fix other satellites in orbit.
Ma, a professor of aerospace engineering in UC's College of Engineering and Applied Science, is working on both the robotics and the artificial intelligence required for satellites to dock with other satellites for refueling or repairs.
For his research team's latest study, published last month in the journal Robotica, they programmed robots to work independently but collaboratively to complete a task – moving a small token across a table to a designated spot using only attached strings.
Simply docking with another satellite in orbit requires extreme precision and coordination, Ma said.
"To grab something in space is really difficult. And grabbing something that’s tumbling in space is even more difficult,” Ma told the International Business Times.
Featured image at top: UC engineering professor Ou Ma and his students use a virtual reality simulator to examine the International Space Station. Photo/Andrew Higley/UC Creative Services
UC aerospace in the news
Discover Magazine: Orbiting Robots Could Soon Repair Satellites
The Hans India: Robots may cut cost of repairing broken satellites in space
Yahoo! News: Send bots in space, save money
Gizbot: This Robotic Satellite Tech Will Fix Broken Satellites Floating Dead in Space
UC engineering professor Ou Ma uses virtual reality tools in his Intelligent Robotics and Autonomous Systems Lab. Photo/Andrew Higley/UC Creative Services
Follow your dreams
At the University of Cincinnati, aerospace engineering students will launch their own satellites into space and are helping NASA plan the next mission to Mars. Students in UC's College of Engineering and Applied Science tackle real-world problems. Explore programs at the graduate and undergraduate level.
Related Stories
UC, GE Aerospace celebrate Next Engineers grads
April 24, 2026
The University of Cincinnati played host in April to the graduation of this year’s class of the GE Aerospace Foundation’s Next Engineers, a global college- and career-readiness program that provides scholarship incentives for young people to become engineers.
UC hosts annual robotics competition for local students
April 24, 2026
Every year, the University of Cincinnati’s College of Engineering and Applied Science brings local middle and high school students to campus for the annual robotics competition. Students are given specific parameters to follow and tasks their robots must complete according to a designated competition theme. This year’s theme — autonomous wheelchairs — comes with a real-world perspective from event guest speaker Sarah Elam, a woman who uses a wheelchair and is a disability advocate.
UC students engineer cold-weather lifeline for Paralympians
April 23, 2026
Three University of Cincinnati students designed and built a residual limb warmer to protect Paralympic athletes competing in bobsled and skeleton from freezing temperatures between races.