NRC - Captive Trajectory System (CTS)

The National Research Council Canada (NRC), Aerodynamics Research Centre has a requirement to develop a Captive Trajectory System (CTS) by adapting an existing robotic articulated sting apparatus housed at our Trisonic Wind tunnel.

The system has been partially developed about 15 years ago and it is now receiving upgrades in the mechanical, electrical and control system. The system will receive a full upgrade to be able to operate with six (6) Cartesian degrees of freedom with force feedback. The current CTS design is expected to have eight (8) degrees of freedom in joint space, which is to be maintained. It also has to be designed to be able to operate under harsh environmental conditions in order to collect data for wind tunnel flight path simulations. The existing controls and software will be renewed and a digital twin system will be develop to work in tandem with the mechanical system.

The work will involve the following: Disassemble the existing robot to evaluate its status and understand what needs to be corrected and/or replaced, manage the design and development of all systems upgrade, support the procurement of parts as needed (i.e. drives, gearboxes, control boards, etc.), support the completion of the design and manufacturing of the test rig, develop partial and full testing and commissioning processes, document and lead all required testing, develop required documentation such and manual and updated drawings and support project closing activities.