Random Positioning Machine (RPM)¶

A scientific laboratory device
Enables simulation of reduced gravity conditions
Used in scientific research and education
AATC has designed, built and laboratory tested a RPM device
Device is available for sale
Target: research institutions, universities, educational centers, schools and companies
For inquiries, please contact at info@aatc.pl

About¶

What is a Random Positioning Machine (RPM)?

A scientific laboratory device
Enables simulation of reduced gravity conditions
Used in scientific research and education
Based on 3D clinostat technology

What is the operating principle of the device?

Two rotating frames (inner / outer)
Dynamic change of orientation -> averaging of the gravity vector
Controlled replication of reduced-gravity conditions in a laboratory

What modes does it support?

Randomization (microgravity)
Synchronization (planetary simulations)

What environments can it simulate?

Microgravity - 0G
Moon - 0.165G
Mars - 0.38G
Custom settings can be defined

Key Technical Parameters¶

Key technical parameters:

Dimensions: 30x30x28 cm, up to 38 cm in motion (12x12x11 inches, up to 15 inches in motion)
Control panel: 27x14x9 cm (~11x6x4 inches)
Sample mass: up to 400 g (0.88 lbs)
Maximum speeds: 200 rpm (inner), 150 rpm (outer)
Power supply: 12 V, up to 20 W (nominal 60 W)
Rotational limits: 200 rpm (inner ring), 150 rpm (outer ring)
Operating temperature: up to 70°C (158°F)
Can be used inside a cell culture incubator

Construction:

Aluminum and steel, technopolymer gears
Stepper motors 59 Nm/cm, step angle: 1.8°, TMC2209 drivers

Settings:

Microgravity 0G (60/60 rpm + random deviations)
Moon 0.165G (60/60 rpm, synchronized)
Mars 0.38G (two-stage mode: 60/60 -> 61/60 rpm)
Custom settings can be defined (range 0-1G)

Expected simulation values for the microgravity setting¶

Effective gravity level:

~10⁻³ to 10⁻² g (time-averaged residual acceleration)

Gravity vector:

Continuously reoriented, randomized in 3D space
Mean vector → ~0 over time

Angular velocity (typical):

Inner ring: ~60 rpm
Outer ring: ~60 rpm (with stochastic variation)

Residual acceleration sources:

Centrifugal effects (distance from rotation center dependent)
Mechanical imperfections and vibrations
Air drag (if not operated in sealed conditions)

Recommended operational conditions:

Sample positioned as close as possible to the rotation center
Symmetric mass distribution
Stable thermal and mechanical environment
Time scale for effective averaging:
On the order of seconds to minutes, depending on rotation profile and sample geometry

Expected simulation values for the lunar setting¶

Effective gravity level:

~0.165 g (time-averaged target acceleration)

Gravity vector:

Maintained as a constant resultant vector through synchronized rotation
Direction effectively stable in the sample reference frame

Angular velocity (typical):

Inner ring: ~60 rpm
Outer ring: ~60 rpm (synchronized mode)

Simulation principle:

Partial compensation of Earth’s gravity via coordinated rotation
Residual vector corresponds to lunar gravity magnitude

Residual acceleration sources:

Centrifugal components (radius-dependent)
Synchronization errors between axes
Mechanical vibrations and backlash

Accuracy considerations:

Dependent on precise phase alignment of both rings
Sensitive to sample positioning relative to rotation center
Typical deviation: on the order of 10⁻² g

Recommended operational conditions:

Rigid mounting of the sample
Minimized offset from the center of rotation
Stable rotational control and low-noise mechanical operation

Expected simulation values for the Martian setting¶

Effective gravity level:

~0.38 g (time-averaged target acceleration)

Gravity vector:

Quasi-static resultant vector generated via slight desynchronization of axes
Stable magnitude with slow directional modulation

Angular velocity (typical):

Inner ring: ~60 rpm
Outer ring: ~61 rpm (two-stage / offset mode)

Simulation principle:

Controlled mismatch of rotational speeds produces a non-zero
Averaged gravity vector
Magnitude tuned to approximate Martian gravity

Residual acceleration sources:

Centrifugal effects (radius-dependent)
Frequency offset–induced oscillations
Mechanical tolerances, vibration, and control noise

Accuracy considerations:

Dependent on precise speed ratio (Δω) between rings
Sensitive to radial displacement of the sample
Typical deviation: on the order of 10⁻² to 10⁻¹ g

Temporal characteristics:

Slow precession of the effective gravity vector due to phase drift
Averaging timescale: seconds to minutes

Recommended operational conditions:

Sample positioned close to rotation center
Stable control of both angular velocities
Minimized structural vibration and thermal drift

Applications and Advantages¶

Applications:

Cell biology, botanics, zoology, microbiology
Chemistry and pharmaceuticals
Space medicine
Materials engineering
Education and science outreach

Use cases:

Cell culture experiments
Gene expression studies
Drug research
Investigation of sintering cooling processes
Education and demonstrations

Advantages:

Compact design
Compatible with use inside an incubator
Reproducible experimental profiles
Predefined settings (microgravity, Moon, Mars)
User-defined parameter configuration

Offer¶

Included in the price:

Technical support
Warranty service (12 months)

Additional paid services:

Shipment
Installation of the device (if required)
Post-warranty service and component replacement
Software or hardware upgrades to newer generation (if a newer version is released)
Adaptation of compatibility with other laboratory equipment (e.g., incubators, cameras, etc.)
Installation of additional sensors on the device or in the laboratory environment for monitoring environmental parameters (e.g., temperature, relative humidity, CO2, CO, noise level, UV level, light intensity, accelerometers)
Installation of timers, time switches, and programmable controllers for automatic switching of lighting or device operation (e.g., night pauses) Software for real-time visualization and monitoring of parameters

Contact¶

For inquiries, please contact at info@aatc.pl