3D Knit BioSuit™—a multidisciplinary, collaborative work involving multiple groups across MIT and industry—presented by Dava Newman at the MARS (Machine learning, Automation, Robotics, and Space) conference. This new prototype is the first BioSuit™ with integrated smart sensing to monitor applied pressures and body movement, using thermal-drawn stretchable sensing fibers, an inertial measurement unit, accelerometer, gyroscope, and on-board machine learning algorithms to provide real-time sensor information.
The 3D Knit BioSuit™—a prototype compression sleeve for the MIT BioSuit™—contributes to the development of advanced extravehicular activity (EVA) spacesuit technologies. The MIT BioSuit™ aims to provide uniform skin pressure using a compressive garment, a concept known as mechanical counterpressure (MCP), to protect the human body from the effects of vacuum in space. This "second skin" technology is designed to be an order of magnitude less bulky and significantly more mobile compared to traditional gas-pressurized EVA spacesuits that have been used in human spaceflight for over 50 years.
This new prototype is an arm sleeve section of the suit, providing compression using a specialized multi-layered 3D knitting strategy, and leveraging multi-functional polyethylene fibers as both a flexible and high-tenacity material that provides pressure, thermoregulation, and partial radiation protection. Improved donning/doffing capabilities were added using a two-layer construction in the 3D knit sleeve: a zippered inner base layer and a magnetic ratchet mechanism to close the outer high-compression layer.
This work is the first BioSuit™ prototype with integrated smart sensing to monitor applied pressures and body movement, using thermal-drawn stretchable sensing fibers, an inertial measurement unit, accelerometer, gyroscope, and on-board machine learning algorithms to provide real-time sensor information. This wearable technology also incorporates a wireless graphical user interface (GUI) to enable astronauts to monitor suit pressure status, performance, and detection of anomalies.
This research demonstrates state-of-the art technology, novel 3D knit manufacturing techniques, and revealed a new portable life support system backpack for the BioSuit™ spacesuit—envisioning our interplanetary future.
Project Team:
Human Systems Laboratory, MIT:
Rachel Bellisle, Cody Alison Paige, Dava Newman
Self-Assembly Lab, MIT:
Lavender Tessmer, Ganit Goldstein, Jared Laucks, Skylar Tibbits
Multifunctional Metamaterials Group, MechE, MIT
Volodymyr Korolovych, Svetlana V. Boriskina
Biomechatronics Group, MIT:
Guillermo Herrera-Arcos, Christopher Shallal, Hugh Herr
Bioelectronics Group, MIT:
Atharva Sahasrabudhe, Polina Anikeeva
Responsive Environments Group, MIT:
Donald Derek Haddad
Ministry of Supply:
Emelie Eldracher, Gihan Amarasiriwardena, Aman Advani
Music by Lullatone
