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Robots in space. Robotics & Automation Coursework Group 8: Bin Cao, Anna Mavriki, Monika Molnar Edinburgh, October, 2010. Introduction. Reasons for Using Robots in Space: Space is dangerous for humans (different atmosphere, long distance, etc.) Earth Observation
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Robotsinspace Robotics & Automation Coursework Group 8: Bin Cao, Anna Mavriki, Monika Molnar Edinburgh, October, 2010
Introduction Reasons for Using Robots in Space: • Space is dangerous for humans (different atmosphere, long distance, etc.) • Earth Observation • Solar System Exploration (Moon, Sun, Jupiter, Venus, Mars, etc.) • Discovering Stars and Galaxies Challenge for Engineers: • Ultra-high vacuum in space (lubricants cannot be used) • Fast temperature-change (hot vs freezing) • Nearly zero gravity • Using power sources such as photovoltaic (solar) and radioisotop thermoelectric generator
Characteristics of robots • Space robots are different in: • Shapes • Sizes • Wide variety of functions • Space robots are basically similar because each has: • Controller • Sensor • Actuators • Radio communications • Power supply
Example 1 Canadarm: Robotic arm Invented by NASA For more than 25 years in space Mobile work platform for astronauts to Fix faulty antennas Activate satellites
Example2 Robonaut2: Next generation of Dexterous robots. Invented by NASA. Humanoid robot. Works with flexible materials. Lifts weight not only hold, away and near from its body. Works in space and earth. Made to work next to people. Unfinished
Conclusion In future it is possible that robots eventually could work side-by-side with humans. Researchers try to write algorithms, which can make robots decide for their actions. Maybe a robot explorer like EVE , from Disney/ Pixar films "WALL•E.”, is only a dream today for the scientists, but hopefully it is going to be real in future…
Bibliography General Facts http://www.learnaboutrobots.com/space.htm, last accessed: 04/10/2010 Characteristics http://robots.open.ac.uk/space/missions.html, last accessed 05/10/2010 Image sources Toyota Robotic Bandhttp://ecoble.com/2009/03/29/ecobots-the-sustainable-future-of-robotics/ last accessed 05/10/2010 Robonaut, Canadarm - http://www.learnaboutrobots.com/space.htm, last accessed 04/10/2010