The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has demonstrated its first space robotic arm, RRM-TD, on the POEM4 platform. A short clip shared by the space agency shows the precise movements of the robotic arm and the various operational phases as it works in space.
The video begins with a text overlay that reads, “Unlocking and lifting from base position,” marking the initial movement of the arm. As the robotic arm continues its motion, the next message highlights “arm manipulation with 7 actuators”, demonstrating its capability for complex tasks.
The footage goes on to show the arm in action with “POEM deck imaging operation” and “positioning using visual servoing”, a technology that uses visual information to control the robot’s movement. In the final moments, the arm returns to its base position, with a message reading “Locking at base position.”
Throughout the sequence, precise and controlled movements of the arm demonstrate its functionality in space. ISRO captioned the post, “#RRM_TD, India’s first space robotic arm, working on #POEM4! A proud #MakeInIndia milestone in space robotics.”
Watch the clip here:
, #RRM_TDIndia’s first space robotic arm is operational onboard #POEM4a pride #MakeInIndia Milestone in space robotics. ???? #ISRO #spacetech pic.twitter.com/sy3BxrtRN1
– ISRO (@isro) 4 January 2025
The POEM4 mission, part of the PSLV-C60 SpaDeX mission, uses the fourth stage of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) to create a specialized platform for scientific experiments. This platform, the PS4-Orbital Experiment Module (POEM), allows scientists to conduct microgravity experiments in space for up to three months. These experiments help test new technologies for future space missions.
One of the most exciting aspects of the POEM4 mission is that it carries biological experiments to space for the first time on an Indian-made rocket. PSLV will carry three biological experiments with living cells, which is a difficult task as space is a harsh environment.
Keeping living organisms alive in space requires special life support systems in small containers, and data must be collected remotely. ISRO is providing the fourth stage of PSLV to researchers for these space experiments.
