Apr 7, 2019 05:26 PM
Can robots build a moon base for astronauts? Japan hopes to find out
https://www.space.com/japan-robots-build-moon-base.html
EXCERPT: Japan's space agency wants to create a moon base with the help of robots that can work autonomously, with little human supervision. [...] Recently, the collaboration did an experiment on automated construction ... A 7-ton autonomous backhoe went through its paces at the site ... The backhoe is equipped with a suite of technologies to help it work on its own at the moon, which is located about 2 seconds' radio distance away from Earth. In other words, any command sent from Earth would take about 2 seconds to arrive at the moon's surface. ... This isn't Japan's only futuristic lunar venture. In mid-March, JAXA announced it and vehicle manufacturer Toyota would create a moon rover to transport humans, which could launch by 2029. JAXA hopes to have its astronauts on the moon by 2030, according to Sky News, and its International Space Station partner, the United States, has similar ambitions. (MORE - details)
NASA is sending floating 'Astrobee' robot assistants inspired by lightsaber training droids from Star Wars to work alongside astronauts on the International Space Station
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/...nauts.html
SUMMARY POINTS: The design of the astrobees was inspired by a flying robot target seen in the film "Star Wars: A New Hope". Each robot has sensors, an interactive touchscreen interface and a removable manipulator arm. The assistants will help run experiments, track inventory and test newly developed technologies. Learning how humans and robots can work together in space is key to the future of exploration, NASA says. (MORE)
https://www.space.com/japan-robots-build-moon-base.html
EXCERPT: Japan's space agency wants to create a moon base with the help of robots that can work autonomously, with little human supervision. [...] Recently, the collaboration did an experiment on automated construction ... A 7-ton autonomous backhoe went through its paces at the site ... The backhoe is equipped with a suite of technologies to help it work on its own at the moon, which is located about 2 seconds' radio distance away from Earth. In other words, any command sent from Earth would take about 2 seconds to arrive at the moon's surface. ... This isn't Japan's only futuristic lunar venture. In mid-March, JAXA announced it and vehicle manufacturer Toyota would create a moon rover to transport humans, which could launch by 2029. JAXA hopes to have its astronauts on the moon by 2030, according to Sky News, and its International Space Station partner, the United States, has similar ambitions. (MORE - details)
NASA is sending floating 'Astrobee' robot assistants inspired by lightsaber training droids from Star Wars to work alongside astronauts on the International Space Station
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/...nauts.html
SUMMARY POINTS: The design of the astrobees was inspired by a flying robot target seen in the film "Star Wars: A New Hope". Each robot has sensors, an interactive touchscreen interface and a removable manipulator arm. The assistants will help run experiments, track inventory and test newly developed technologies. Learning how humans and robots can work together in space is key to the future of exploration, NASA says. (MORE)