Young Makers create a self-repairing 3D printer for space

When the Makers of tomorrow explore the deep beyond, they’re going to need self-replicating sidekick robots. Inspired by the recent launch of 3D printers in space, a group of South African students decided to create a new, intergalactic-bound 3D printer aptly named Delta 3. The roving device, which was recently exhibited at the World Robot Olympiad in Russia, could potentially enhance self-sufficiency for astronauts navigating the extraterrestrial domain.

In order to bring their idea to life, a team of young Makers — comprised of Jared Rheeders, Matthew Whyte and Rueben Pretorius — have modded an open-source Delta Arm RepRap printer and a LEGO EV3 controller to produce a moon-walking, low-G printer that can utilize whatever materials it comes across. As 3DPrint.com notes, what makes this 3D printer quite ideal for travel in space, is that many of its components are 3D-printable themselves, making this a truly mobile and self-repairing machine.

“To comply with the demands that astronauts will have to endure in space, our engineers have designed a mobile 3D printer that integrates delta geometry to create structures and parts at very high and accurate standards,” explained team member Matthew Whyte.

After all, the terrain on planets like Mars can be a bit rugged. That’s why the printer, which is aptly named DELTA 3, uses a Lego EV3 controller to navigate the land and find suitable working surfaces. Once a location is found, the EV3 triggers the Arduino Mega (ATmega1280) to facilitate the printing.

“Soon humans will be settling on planets in space, and will have to survive in extreme and harsh conditions,” explained Jared Rheeders. “There will be a minimum of resources available. The future will soon have robots that will create other robots.”

While the DELTA 3 obviously has yet to be tested in space, the team has piloted the machine here on Earth. According to 3DPrint.com, the results have been rather successful for the modified RepRap 3D printer.

Interested in learning more? When you give some Makers an Atmel powered printer and dev board, anything is possible! Watch the video below!