Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

Science

Astronaut Commands Robots in Mars Simulation from Space

In a groundbreaking experiment, NASA astronaut Jonny Kim remotely commanded a team of four-legged robots to navigate a simulated Martian landscape, showcasing the potential for future robotic missions on Mars. This innovative exercise took place at the German Aerospace Center (DLR) facility in Oberpfaffenhofen in July 2023, with Kim orchestrating the mission from the International Space Station (ISS).

The collaborative effort involved the European Space Agency’s robot dog, Spot, and DLR’s humanoid robot, Rollin’ Justin, alongside the Interact rover. Kim communicated commands to the DLR facility, testing the robots’ abilities to solve complex problems in real-time. This exercise marked the culmination of the DLR Surface Avatar project, which started recruiting robots and astronauts in 2022.

Innovative Problem-Solving from Orbit

During this mission, Kim faced challenges that required quick thinking and adaptability. One notable scenario involved assisting a robot named Bert, which had been programmed to simulate a leg injury. Kim conducted a “training” session to help Bert adapt to moving on three legs, ultimately allowing the robot to continue its exploration of the simulated Martian caves. The caves contained drawings reminiscent of the prehistoric art found in the Lascaux caves in France, providing a fascinating aspect to the mission.

As Bert navigated tight spaces, Kim switched to manual control, using a joystick to guide the robot based on real-time visual feedback from its cameras. This hands-on approach allowed Kim to effectively maneuver Bert in a way that automated systems could not achieve in such confined environments.

Successful Collaboration and Future Implications

The mission’s success was a testament to the capabilities of human-robot interaction in space exploration. Kim and his team, including the AI chatbot Neal AI, effectively tackled various tasks, such as locating and retrieving sample containers. Spot played a critical role by autonomously transporting these samples to a designated transfer area, demonstrating the practical applications of robotics in extraterrestrial missions.

Thomas Krüger, team lead at ESA’s human-robot interaction lab, highlighted the significance of this experiment. He noted, “By involving an astronaut in microgravity and using relay satellites, we have overcome the technical hurdles involved in the remote control of robots.” This research could be pivotal for the Gateway project, NASA’s upcoming moon-orbiting space station that aims to support crewed and robotic Artemis missions.

In a symbolic conclusion to the experiment, Kim shared a virtual handshake with Neal Lii, a DLR scientist and principal investigator of the Surface Avatar project. Rollin’ Justin facilitated this moment by providing force feedback, enhancing the emotional connection between the astronauts despite the physical distance.

The collaborative efforts between NASA and DLR underscore the importance of international partnerships in advancing space exploration. As nations work together to explore the moon and Mars, missions like this one pave the way for future human and robotic endeavors beyond our planet.

You May Also Like

Technology

Tesla (TSLA) recently reported a year-over-year drop in second-quarter deliveries, yet the market responded with optimism, pushing the stock up by 5%. This unexpected...

Health

The All England Lawn Tennis Club in London experienced its hottest-ever opening day on Monday, as the prestigious Wimbledon tournament kicked off under unprecedented...

Science

Look out, daters: a new toxic relationship trend is sweeping through the romantic world, leaving many baffled and heartbroken. Known as “Banksying,” this phenomenon...

Technology

In a bold reimagining of the DC Universe, director James Gunn has introduced a significant narrative element in his latest film, which reveals that...

Entertainment

Netflix’s eagerly anticipated talent competition Building the Band is set to premiere on July 9, promising an emotional journey for viewers. This series, centered...

Technology

Former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi has recently made headlines with her latest investment in the tech sector. According to official filings, she...

Entertainment

A new documentary series titled “Animals on Drugs” is set to premiere on the Discovery Channel on July 28, 2023. The three-part series follows...

World

The first dose of the hepatitis B vaccine is recommended at birth, a practice that has come under scrutiny following recent comments by Health...

Technology

The Evo 2025 tournament is set to take place from August 1 to August 3, 2025, showcasing some of the most popular fighting games...

Sports

ZAGREB, Croatia — A concert by Marko Perkovic, a right-wing Croatian singer known for his controversial views, attracted tens of thousands of fans to...

Politics

Billionaire hedge fund manager Bill Ackman faced significant backlash following his professional tennis debut at the Hall of Fame Open in Newport, Rhode Island,...

Business

Erin Dana Lichy, a prominent cast member of “Real Housewives of New York,” has officially settled into her dream home, a grand townhouse located...

Sports

As the summer of 2025 unfolds, the video game industry is set to deliver a diverse array of new releases that promise to captivate...

Lifestyle

The upcoming TRNSMT 2025 festival is set to take place from July 7 to July 9, 2025, at Glasgow Green, and organizers have released...

Entertainment

While the echoes of Summer Game Fest 2025 and the Xbox Games Showcase still resonate, Xbox has already set its sights on the next...

Technology

Meta has officially opened preorders for its new Oakley smart glasses, the limited edition HSTN, ahead of their anticipated release on July 22, 2023....

Copyright © All rights reserved. This website provides general news and educational content for informational purposes only. While we strive for accuracy, we do not guarantee the completeness or reliability of the information presented. The content should not be considered professional advice of any kind. Readers are encouraged to verify facts and consult appropriate experts when needed. We are not responsible for any loss or inconvenience resulting from the use of information on this site.