Innovative space training: DFKI and University of Duisburg-Essen continue exoskeleton experiment at 44th DLR parabolic flight campaign
| Press release | Human-Machine Interaction | Robotics | Robotics Innovation Center | Bremen
To date, parabolic flights and underwater simulations are among the few available methods for preparing astronauts for the challenges of microgravity. However, scientists at the DFKI Robotics Innovation Center in Bremen and the Chair of Medical Technology Systems at the University of Duisburg-Essen (UDE) are working on a more accessible solution. As part of the INNOSpace initiative Space2Health – a program by the German Space Agency (DLR) funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK) – they are developing a novel approach to replicate weightlessness using a robotic exoskeleton.
The active exoskeleton developed at DFKI offsets the weight of the arms, creating a sensation similar to microgravity or partial gravity, such as that experienced on the Moon or Mars. This allows users to practice fine motor tasks under simulated space conditions – right here on Earth.
© DFKIParticipation in the 44th DLR parabolic flight campaign
To compare the effects of simulated and real microgravity on the human body, the team first participated in the 42nd DLR Parabolic Flight Campaign in Bordeaux, France. During these flights, an aircraft follows a steep parabolic path, creating brief phases of real weightlessness. Research teams from around the world use these rare windows – around 22 seconds per parabola – to conduct gravity-free experiments.
Although initial data from the first campaign were promising, they were not yet sufficient for definitive conclusions. The team has therefore secured a spot on the Airbus A310 Zero G, operated by Novespace, for a second series of tests as part of the MikroBeM project. From June 8–13, 2025, they will continue their research during the 44th DLR Parabolic Flight Campaign.
© DFKI, Jimmy Dao Sheng LiuFrom Lab to Zero Gravity: Training and Validation
The current phase began in late February with intensive lab-based training sessions. Using the active exoskeleton, test subjects in Bremen and Duisburg practiced fine motor tasks over several weeks. Their neural and muscular responses to simulated weightlessness were recorded via EEG and EMG.
During the parabolic flights, both trained subjects and an untrained control group will repeat the same tasks – but this time using a passive exoskeleton. Each parabola offers only a brief 22-second window of weightlessness, repeated 31 times per flight. The comparison will help determine whether prior training under simulated conditions improves performance in real microgravity.
© NovespaceShaping the Future of Space Training
The researchers’ long-term goal is to develop a standardized, cost-effective training system for astronauts. Beyond spaceflight, this approach could also benefit fields like medicine, robotics, and rehabilitation. Insights from the 2025 parabolic flight campaign may thus contribute not only to future missions, but also to broader technological innovation here on Earth.
Contact:
Marc Tabie, M.Sc.
- Marc.Tabie@dfki.de
- Phone: +49 421 17845 6622
Prof. Dr. Elsa Andrea Kirchner
- Elsa.Kirchner@dfki.de
- Phone: +49 421 17845 4113