ASTRA-N A Foundational Framework for Neuromorphic, Self-Healing, and Morphologically Adaptive Robotic Systems

Abstract

The frontier of robotics is no longer confined to controlled factory floors; today, we aim to send our mechanical emissaries into unstructured and hazardous environments, from earthquake-ripped cityscapes to deep space. Yet, conventional robots remain fragile—rigid, single-purpose machines powered by energy-intensive, clock-driven architectures. This paper introduces ASTRA-N, a foundational framework that integrates morphological adaptation, embodied resilience, and neuromorphic control to create a new class of persistent, adaptive, and intelligent robotic systems. We present the framework’s three pillars: shape-morphing via kirigami metamaterials, autonomous repair using self-healing composites, and energy-efficient control via spiking neural networks. To ground this framework, we describe the ASTRA terrestrial prototype, a quadrotorrover that transforms mid-air and heals punctures, and the NSRS conceptual satellite, a resilient platform for long-duration orbital missions.