High Stiffness Self Leveling Platform

The HSSLP employs a three-point architecture integrated with motorized jackscrews and an inertial measurement unit (IMU) to achieve automated leveling across uneven terrain. Each leg provides multiple degrees of freedom, enabling both rotational and translational adjustments to maintain a stable platform on inclines up to 15 degrees. Once positioned, the system can hold its orientation without continuous power, reducing energy consumption and improving reliability in remote or resource-limited environments. Redundancy is built into the design through multiple actuators and independent control capability, allowing the platform to maintain functionality even if one actuator fails. The design is inherently scalable, allowing adaptation for payloads ranging from small instruments to multi-ton structures without sacrificing stiffness or stability. Originally developed for a lunar crane on the Lightweight Surface Manipulation System (LSMS), the platform has been tested in relevant environments to validate its structural integrity and load-handling performance, including successful support of a 35 kg payload at a 2-meter reach. Beyond space applications, HSSLP offers significant advantages for terrestrial industries such as construction, surveying, renewable energy, and film production. By eliminating manual adjustments and providing automated, high-load leveling capability, this technology enables faster deployment, improved safety, and greater operational efficiency in challenging environments. The HSSLP is currently assessed at a TRL 6 and is available for patent licensing. Leveling platforms are critical for orienting equipment in environments where uneven terrain can compromise performance. Conventional solutions often rely on manual adjustment or lightweight designs intended for small instruments, which limits their usefulness for heavy-duty applications. These approaches can be cumbersome, time-consuming, and prone to error, creating inefficiencies and safety risks in industries that demand precision and reliability. Automated systems exist, but they are typically large, complex, and costly, leaving a gap for a compact, robust solution that can operate effectively in challenging conditions. Recognizing this need, NASA's Langley Research Center developed an innovative approach to automated leveling, called the High Stiffness Self Leveling Platform (HSSLP) that addresses the shortcomings of prior systems. Originally conceived to orient cranes for lunar surface operations, this technology was designed to provide a stable foundation for payload handling and offloading in dynamic environments. Beyond its aerospace origins, the concept offers strong commercial potential for terrestrial applications where precise leveling is essential, such as construction, surveying, renewable energy, and remote film production, allowing users to deploy equipment quickly, maintain alignment on uneven terrain, and improve operational safety without manual intervention.