JOHN SHEPARD
YOLO ROBOTICS
BY Russell Nichols
Outer space is crowded . Not just with billionaires , but also space junk in orbit : old rocket bodies , defunct satellites , tools and other metal pieces . Davis-based startup Yolo Robotics aims to recycle those scraps in zero gravity .
John Shepard , the startup ’ s cofounder and chief technology officer , spent 10 years in Silicon Valley developing high-performance motion control systems in aerospace . In 2021 , when NASA put out a call for proposals on how to recycle space debris , he brainstormed with his friend Graham Ryland , who asked , “ Wouldn ’ t it be cool to shape a blob of molten metal in space ?” That question formed the basis for the startup . Ryland , cofounder and CEO of Yolo Robotics , previously worked with Shepard in automation , making robots to harvest food . After receiving a $ 125,000 grant from NASA for their pitch , the duo bought new test equipment , such as magnetic sensors and vacuum chambers . They built a proof-of-concept machine about the size of a toaster .
The machine works by controlling electromagnetic fields to form programmable molds to cast or extrude the liquid into basic parts , such as ingots , rods and wire for welding or 3D printing . With time , Shepard says , they could add more complexities to these molds and eventually cast 3D parts using electromagnets , but creating manufacturing feedstock is a useful first step for recycling in space .
“ I hear everybody talk about de-orbiting space junk ,” Ryland says , “ but I really hope that 10 to 15 years from now , we don ’ t look back and see this as a wasted opportunity to turn material into something useful for humanity .”
Currently , Shepard and Ryland work out of their garages in collaboration with experts in the field . Yolo Robotics is looking to raise $ 2 million this year to accelerate the innovation .
a professor or rock If I could have any other job , I ’ d be ........................................
climbing bum . ............................................................................................
grit and luck . A startup can ’ t be successful without ...........................................
The books that best represent my approach to business would be “ The Lean Startup ” by Eric Ries .
...................................................................................................
public failure . My biggest fear about launching was .................................................
dive in , burn If I could give my younger self advice , it would be ..............................
hot and fail fast . .........................................................................................................
WHERE WOULD THIS MACHINE BE SET UP IN SPACE ? “ The inductive foundry can operate on a space station to produce high-value materials , on small satellites to break down defunct rocket bodies ( like a caterpillar eating a leaf ), or on the moon to help process lunar regolith ( soil ).”
IS THE CONCEPT HARD TO PITCH ? “ The concept is very salient because of the increased awareness of space debris and value of materials already in orbit . In addition , we are exploring terrestrial applications for recycling lithium ion batteries and extracting precious metals .”
For more on Yolo Robotics , read Russell Nichols ’ Startup of the Month column at comstocksmag . com .
60 comstocksmag . com | February 2022