Exploring the Future: Humanoid Robots in Terrestrial and Space Applications
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Valkyrie, NASA’s formidable humanoid robot, stands tall at 6 feet 2 inches (188 centimeters) and boasts a weight of 300 pounds (136 kilograms). Designed for operations in degraded or damaged environments, Valkyrie is currently undergoing tests at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas.
Engineers envision humanoid robots, like Valkyrie, functioning similarly to humans with the ability to use tools and equipment. NASA Dexterous Robotics Team Leader, Shaun Azimi, sees a future where these robots can handle risky tasks in space, freeing up astronauts for higher-level activities related to exploration and discovery.
Collaboration for Adaptation: Apptronik’s Apollo
NASA collaborates with robotics companies like Apptronik, based in Austin, Texas, to explore the adaptability of humanoid robots developed for terrestrial purposes to potential space missions. Apptronik is actively working on Apollo, a humanoid robot designed for tasks in warehouses and manufacturing plants.
Apptronik emphasizes Apollo’s advantages over humans, including endurance and the ability to operate 22 hours a day with swappable batteries. With plans to roll out Apollo for commercial use in early 2025, the company envisions applications ranging from warehouses to retail, delivery, and even “unstructured spaces.”
NASA’s Azimi underscores the modularity of robots like Apollo, making them adaptable for diverse applications, including space. The goal is to gather insights and identify key gaps for future investments in certifying terrestrial systems for space operations.
In summary, humanoid robots are poised to play a crucial role in both terrestrial and space applications, offering a versatile and adaptable solution to a wide array of tasks.
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