AI is revolutionizing our ability to train cars to drive safely and to respond to unexpected events. | Shutterstock/Scharfsinn

An authority on autonomous robotic systems talks about the impact of AI on his field here on Earth and growing aspirations for autonomy in space.

The future of autonomous vehicles

The utilization of advanced 3D vision technology is critical in pushing the boundaries of robotic capabilities, especially in challenging environments such as space. Extend Robotics, dedicated to making robotic operations more accessible through extended reality technology, embarked on a comparative evaluation of 3D vision solutions to enhance their robotic interface software. This comprehensive test aimed to identify the most suitable 3D camera for demanding applications, including those required in extra-terrestrial conditions.&nbsp;Partner:<a href="https://www.extendrobotics.com/" target="_blank">Extend Robotics</a>&nbsp;Challenge:Extend Robotics aims to address the global skill mismatch caused by automation by making robotic arm programming more accessible. Their mission is to enable non-robotic experts to operate robots remotely using extended reality technology (MR/VR/AR). In their latest exploration project, they sought to demonstrate their technology’s capability to remove and replace satellite modules in a 27U CubeSat at the Catapult test facility for In-Orbit Service and Manufacturing. This project was part of their incubation with the European Space Agency’s Business Incubation Centre (ESA BIC UK).To achieve their goals, Extend Robotics needed a 3D vision solution that could handle extreme and challenging environments, including those found in space. They conducted a comparative test between three different 3D cameras to select the optimal hardware for these demanding applications.&nbsp;Solution:<a href="https://www.photoneo.com/motioncam-3d/" target="_blank">MotionCam-3D Color</a>Extend Robotics conducted extensive testing to evaluate the performance of Photoneo’s MotionCam-3D Color against other 3D cameras. The MotionCam-3D Color was tested under extreme light conditions, including a 5,000 watt light simulating the brightness of the sun in space. The camera’s ability to deliver high-resolution 3D scans in both extremely bright and pitch black conditions set it apart from its competitors.The MotionCam-3D Color utilizes Photoneo’s advanced Parallel Structured Light technology, which ensures unparalleled accuracy regardless of environmental light levels. This capability is crucial for space applications where lighting conditions can vary dramatically.By leveraging the MotionCam-3D Color, Extend Robotics can create precise and accurate 3D models necessary for their remote robotic operations. The model is projected in the virtual headset of the operator who can interact with it. This solution not only enhances the safety and efficiency of their technology but also enables the execution of physical tasks remotely, overcoming geographical limitations.<img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1720524677538-1720524677538.png" alt="" width="400" height="180" srcset="https://www.photoneo.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Extend_BLOG2-400x180.jpg 400w, https://www.photoneo.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Extend_BLOG2-1024x461.jpg 1024w, https://www.photoneo.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Extend_BLOG2-768x346.jpg 768w, https://www.photoneo.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Extend_BLOG2-1536x692.jpg 1536w, https://www.photoneo.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Extend_BLOG2-2048x922.jpg 2048w, https://www.photoneo.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Extend_BLOG2-480x216.jpg 480w" sizes="(max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px" class="fr-fic fr-dii">Discussion:The integration of Photoneo’s MotionCam-3D Color into Extend Robotics’ system marks a significant advancement in remote robotic operations. The high-precision 3D vision capabilities of the MotionCam-3D Color allow for detailed scanning and modeling, which are essential for complex tasks such as satellite servicing.This collaboration highlights the importance of selecting the right 3D vision technology for demanding applications. Photoneo’s MotionCam-3D Color has proven to be the optimal solution for Extend Robotics, enabling them to push the boundaries of what’s possible in automation and robotics.Would you like to discuss how Photoneo technology can benefit your applications? <a href="https://www.photoneo.com/contact-us/?utm_source=Wevolver&utm_medium=Case%20Study&utm_campaign=Extending%20Robotics%20Capabilities%20in%20Space%20with%20Photoneo's%20MotionCam-3D%20Color" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Contact us</a> to explore how our advanced 3D vision solutions can enhance your projects.

Extending Robotics Capabilities in Space with Photoneo's MotionCam-3D Color

Extend Robotics leveraged Photoneo’s MotionCam-3D Color for its exceptional 3D vision technology, enabling precise remote operations in challenging environments like space. This innovative solution enhances robotic capabilities, allowing for high-resolution scans under extreme conditions.

Space exploration has captivated humanity for decades with its promise of adventure and scientific discovery. But venturing beyond our atmosphere comes with immense challenges. This is where a new wave of technology is poised to revolutionize the space industry: artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics.&nbsp;This episode of the BrainChip podcast is a conversation between BrainChip CTO Dr Tony Lewis and Mikhail Asavkin, founder of Australian space tech company ANT61. They talk about how AI and intelligent robots are no longer science fiction but the key to unlocking the future of space exploration.&nbsp;<h2 dir="ltr">Reusable Rockets and the Democratization of Space</h2>Over the past decade, we have witnessed a remarkable transformation propelled by innovation and the rise of private industry in the space sector. The ability to recover and relaunch rockets has dramatically reduced the cost of space access, opening the door for a new era of private space exploration companies.&nbsp;This democratization of space has spurred innovation and ignited a global race to push the boundaries of what's possible. Mikhail Asavkin, drawing from his extensive experience in space engineering, sheds light on this evolutionary journey and explains how companies like ANT61 are now able to focus their resources on cutting-edge technologies like AI and robotics, thanks to the more affordable launch options provided by reusable rockets.&nbsp;This shift has fundamentally changed the landscape of space exploration, making it a more accessible and dynamic field.<h2 dir="ltr">The Impact of AI on Space Exploration</h2>Mikhail Asavkin and Dr Tony Lewis also discuss the transformative role of AI in space exploration. Here's why AI is the silent hero propelling us further into the cosmos:<ul><li dir="ltr">Due to the speed of light, communicating with robots on the Moon or Mars in real time is impossible. This is where AI steps in. By enabling robots to make autonomous decisions based on sensor data and their surroundings, AI eliminates the need for constant human intervention from Earth.</li><li dir="ltr">Space exploration demands more than just following pre-programmed instructions. Robots must be able to perceive their environment, identify objects, and navigate complex situations. Advancements in AI, particularly image recognition and deep learning, allow robots to "see" and understand their surroundings, enabling them to perform intricate tasks and make critical decisions independently.</li></ul><h2 dir="ltr">Neuromorphic Computing in Space</h2>The limitations of traditional AI systems, particularly their high power consumption, pose a significant challenge for space exploration. Here's where neuromorphic computing enables new ways of exploring space.&nbsp;Inspired by the structure and function of the human brain, neuromorphic chips are designed to process information similarly. This translates to a dramatic reduction in power consumption compared to traditional AI hardware like GPUs (Graphics Processing Units). For spacefaring robots, this is a game-changer.Neuromorphic technology offers a multitude of benefits for space AI:<ul><li dir="ltr">Neuromorphic chips enable this dream by requiring significantly less power to perform complex tasks like object detection and real-time decision-making.</li><li dir="ltr">Neuromorphic chips excel at real-time processing, allowing robots to make critical decisions without delay. This is essential for tasks like navigating hazardous terrain or performing delicate scientific operations.</li></ul><h2 dir="ltr">Training AI on the Go</h2>Traditionally, training AI models involves massive datasets downloaded from Earth and meticulously labeled by humans – a time-consuming and impractical process in the vast expanse of space.Neuromorphic computers, with their ability to learn and adapt in real time, make this possible. The AI model can continuously improve its capabilities and decision-making abilities by processing sensor data and surroundings. By training on-site, the AI model can adapt to specific situations and environments, making its tasks more robust and efficient.However, the podcast also discusses a significant challenge that remains: ensuring the safety and well-being of human explorers venturing into the unknown. This necessitates further advancements in AI, particularly in areas like risk assessment, anomaly detection, and real-time decision-making.<h2 dir="ltr">Conclusion: New Era in Space Exploration</h2>From enabling autonomous robots to construct lunar habitats to empowering AI models to learn and adapt on the fly, these technologies are revolutionizing how we venture beyond our planet. As we look towards a future where humanity establishes a presence on other celestial bodies, AI and robotics will be our indispensable companions.Listen to the full podcast <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yyVWVjYM-nQ&t=3s" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here.</a>

In this episode, ANT61 Founder and CEO Mikhail Asavkin joins BrainChip CTO Dr. Tony Lewis to discuss the evolution of Space Technology and its impact on daily life. 

BrainChip Podcast: Robotics in Space discussion with ANT61 Founder Mikhail Asavkin

This story by Landon Hall was first published in the&nbsp;<a href="https://viterbischool.usc.edu/news/2024/04/teaching-robots-to-walk-on-the-moon-and-maybe-rescue-one-another/" target="_blank">USC Viterbi School of Engineering newsroom</a>.Georgia Tech alumna&nbsp;Feifei Qian&nbsp;(M.S. PHYS 2011, Ph.D. ECE 2015), an assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering at the USC Viterbi School of Engineering and School of Advanced Computing, leads the NASA LASSIE project alongside co-investigator&nbsp;Frances Rivera-Hernández, an assistant professor in the School of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences at Georgia Tech.&nbsp;Sharissa Thompson, a graduate student at Georgia Tech, is a student intern on the NASA Curiosity Rover project.The Palmer Glacier on Oregon’s Mount Hood isn’t the moon, but it’s a good place to practice.Some 6,000 feet up the snow-capped mountain, located about 70 miles east of Portland, a multidisciplinary team from the University of Southern California, Texas A&amp;M University, Georgia Institute of Technology, Oregon State University, Temple University, the University of Pennsylvania, and NASA gathered to turn loose a four-legged robot named Spirit into the wild.The team that included engineers, cognitive scientists, geoscientists, and planetary scientists field-tested Spirit as part of the LASSIE Project: Legged Autonomous Surface Science in Analog Environments. Spirit covered a variety of challenging terrains, using his spindly metal legs to amble over, across, and over around shifting dirt, slushy snow, and boulders during five days of testing in summer 2023. Sometimes he expertly traversed the hillside, while at other moments he teetered and fell over — all part of the process to better understand the substrate properties and learn to better walk on these extreme terrains. The practice time Spirit logged produced data that will be used to train future robots for use on intergalactic surfaces, like Earth’s moon and perhaps planets in our solar system.“A legged robot needs to be able to detect what is happening when it interacts with the ground underneath, and rapidly adjust its locomotion strategies accordingly,” says Feifei Qian, an assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering at the USC Viterbi School of Engineering and School of Advanced Computing, which is leading the project funded by NASA. “When the robot leg slips on ice or sinks into soft snow, it inspires us to look for new principles and strategies that can push the boundary of human knowledge and enable new technology. We learn and improve from the observed failures.”Watch this&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wBTyelFFE1A" target="_blank">5-minute video</a>&nbsp;produced for the team by documentary filmmaker Sean Grasso.<iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wBTyelFFE1A?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0&amp;enablejsapi=1&amp;origin=https://www.wevolver.com" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable" data-lf-form-tracking-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-yt-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-vimeo-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true"></iframe> Spirit learns from every step.“Similar to the way that when we walk on uneven surfaces as humans, we can sort of detect how the ground is shifting beneath our feet, a legged robot is capable of the exact same thing,” says Cristina Wilson, a cognitive scientist at Oregon State University.<h2>The more machines the merrier</h2>Qian’s group doesn’t intend to stop at just one robot, wandering the wilderness alone. She and her former colleagues at Penn, Cynthia Sung, Mark Yim, Daniel Koditschek, and Douglas Jerolmack, received a two-year, $2 million grant from NASA they’re calling the TRUSSES Project: Temporarily, Robots Unite to Surmount Sandy Entrapments, Then Separate. They want to help the space agency put teams of robots on the Moon and have them work together on tasks. They would take the knowledge they came in with, and the data they collect on the mission, and communicate those details to each other.“They would sense how the ground conditions are,” Qian says, “and then exchange that information with one another, and collectively form a map of locomotion risk estimation. The team of robots can then use this traversal risk map to inform their planetary explorations: ‘There is an extremely soft sand patch that might be high-risk for wheeled rovers. Come over here, this might be a safer area.’ ”The robots in mind for this kind of work would be more than just Spirit: There would be a wheeled rover (great for payload and long distances), a Hexapedal robot (intermediate payload but better mobility than the wheeled), and dog-like ones like the rugged version of Spirit (highest mobility, shorter distances). And here’s the coolest part of that research, the part that sounds like something the Transformers would do. Or at least a team of castaways on Survivor: If one got in a jam, made immovable by loose dirt or a rock or a ravine, his bot-mates would arrive and link together and form a bridge, or a pyramid, to hoist their pal to safety. And then back to work.“When they plan for the strategy to pull the robot up, they’ll decide what force to exert and what position the robot should go to, while also compiling the terrain information,” Qian says. “That’s the key idea of how to use these capabilities: to both prevent and recover from locomotion failures in extreme terrain.”<h2>Back to Mount Hood</h2>Spirit gets around a variety of natural environments, to learn how to better move on challenging terrains. Qian has let him off his leash on Southern California beaches, and the multi-university team has field-tested him in the soft granules of White Sands National Park in New Mexico. But <a href="https://youtu.be/wBTyelFFE1A" target="_blank">the video</a> shot at Mount Hood shows just how otherworldly that landscape can be in these planetary-analog environments. This provides Spirit with plenty of opportunities to learn on earth, before potentially exploring other planets.“You look around us, it would be very hard to drive up this,” Ryan Ewing, a geologist from NASA Johnson Space Center, <a href="https://youtu.be/wBTyelFFE1A?feature=shared" target="_blank">shares</a>. “But as a legged being, as humans, we can step around it easily. A dog could walk around it easily. So this project is the proving ground that we can enable new science and new mobility on environments that are like other planets.”In fact, a dog is indeed frisking about: Howard, Wilson’s German shepherd, wandered about, with the kind of agility Spirit could only dream of.“We are going to observe how Howard moves in different types of snow and ice conditions,” Qian <a href="https://youtu.be/wBTyelFFE1A?feature=shared" target="_blank">says</a>. “What exactly, out of those combined motions, allows him to succeed on challenging terrain?”The LASSIE Project calls for two more trips for Spirit: to Mount Hood this summer, and to White Sands next year. The TRUSSES team, from USC and Penn, also plans to visit White Sands next year with Spirit and the other, new, multitasking robots. Imagine WALL-E with friends.<hr>The NASA PSTAR (Planetary Science and Technology Through Analog Research) number for this project is 80NSSC22K1313.

Researchers at Georgia Tech have teamed up with NASA and five peer institutions to teach dog-like robots to navigate craters of the moon and other challenging planetary surfaces.

Good Dog: LASSIE Spirit Learns to Walk on the Moon

One day the SpaceHopper will be deployed on space missions to explore relatively small celestial bodies such as asteroids and moons. These are thought to contain valuable mineral resources that could be of use to humankind in the future. The exploration of these bodies could also give us insights into our universe’s formation.<img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1712911128036-imageCarousel.imageformat.lightbox.1854501007.jpg" style="width: 100%px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">The project was launched two and a half years ago as an ETH focus project for Bachelor’s degree students. It is now being continued as a regular research project by five Master’s degree students and one doctoral student. One particular challenge of developing exploration robots such as these is the very low gravity prevailing on small celestial bodies –in contrast to larger bodies such as Earth. For this reason, the researchers have tested their robot in zero gravity scenarios on a European Space Agency parabolic flight.<iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8I4fe9VaQQg?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0&amp;enablejsapi=1&amp;origin=https://www.wevolver.com" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable" data-lf-form-tracking-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-yt-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-vimeo-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-gtm-yt-inspected-9="true" id="588287812" title="Using a hopping robot for asteroid exploration"></iframe>

The prototype of the SpaceHopper developed by ETH students. (Photograph: Dominik Lindegger)

As part of the SpaceHopper project, ETH Zurich students are developing a robot that can navigate very low gravity environments using a jumping-​like mode of locomotion.

Using a hopping robot for asteroid exploration

AI and robotics are enabling safer and more efficient space exploration. 

Embracing the Cosmos: Akida's Role in Advancing Space Tech for Daily Life

SEAS roboticists develop robots for Resilient ExtraTerrestrial Habitats

Robots to help with human habitation in space

What could small robots on earth have to do with exploration on the moon?Quite a lot, as it turns out. Professors and engineering students at Polytechnique Montréal have been busy writing algorithms and running experiments with robots and drones with one goal in mind: To enable them to explore unfamiliar and even hostile surroundings far beyond the reach of GPS or other forms of precision location technology.“What we want to do is to explore environments including caves and surfaces on other planets or satellites using robotics,” explains Dr. Giovanni Beltrame (Ph.D.), a full professor at Polytechnique’s Departments of Computer Engineering and Software Engineering.Before we get to the how, let’s address the why.“Caves and lava tubes can be ideal places for settlement: They can be&nbsp;sealed and provide radiation shielding. There’s also a chance of finding&nbsp;water ice in them,” says Dr. Beltrame.Of course, it’s also less risky – and less expensive –&nbsp;to send robots to other planets and moons rather than human beings. They don’t require life support, don’t get tired (with the exception of having to recharge), and they can gather and process data quickly.Just think of all the data that’s been acquired on Mars by the twin Rovers and the Mars helicopter.Below: A selfie taken by NASA’s Perseverance rover November 1, 2023, during the the 960th Martian day of its mission. The rover was built with a focus on astrobiology, searching for signs of ancient microbial life on the red planet. Image courtesy of NASA.<img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNzA2NTYxNzQ0OTYwLVBJQTI2MjAyLWpwZy53ZWJwIiwiZWRpdHMiOnsicmVzaXplIjp7IndpZHRoIjo5NTAsImZpdCI6ImNvdmVyIn19fQ==" style="width: 300px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="NASA's Perseverance"><h3 id="isPasted">Prepare on Earth, Deploy in Space</h3>It’s a pretty ambitious vision. But for Beltrame and his team, it’s also very real. And it requires a lot of work and research here on earth.“So to get there (space) and do this with&nbsp;multiple robots, we’ve developed all sorts of technologies –&nbsp;navigation, perception, communication, coordination between the robots, and human-robot interfaces,” he says.“We’re doing all these things,&nbsp;because our goal is to use a swarm of robots to do planetary exploration. There’s more, but that’s it in a nutshell.”When you go to the moon, there’s no equivalent of GPS. And environments like caves can be really tricky – both in terms of robots understanding where they are, and also communicating with other robots beyond line of sight.With the right technologies and algorithms, that communication is possible. And much of Beltrame’s research has involved testing this on earth. In particular, he’s focusing on how groups of robots could take on such tasks collaboratively.“So our primary activities focus on swarm robotics,” he says.Generally that starts with simulation models. But there are limits to simulations – and real-world testing is a big part of what’s going on at Polytechnique.“So we do have this deployment philosophy that we try our technologies in simulation, but then we want to go to deploying robots. You can have the best simulation in the world, but there’s still a reality gap and it’s very extremely important to try things on the real robots,” he says.“We have a saying in the lab, which is: ‘Everything works in simulation’.&nbsp;You can always make your algorithm work in simulation, and then you get out in the field and things go wrong. So&nbsp;one thing we do in the lab is we always do the full stack. That’s why we need to have real robots.&nbsp;And we don’t only do experiments with real robots in the lab, we do them in the field.” <h3>MIST</h3>The lab he’s referring to is known as Polytechnique’s MIST, which stands for Making Innovative Space Technology. Dr. Beltrame is the director of the lab, which focuses on computer engineering targeted towards space technologies. In addition to the researchers, the lab is home to a *lot* of robots. There are big ones, small ones, wheeled ones, flying ones (drones) – literally “hundreds” of robots at the lab.But as Dr. Beltrame emphasised, proving that something will truly work requires testing in environments that are similar to what might be found on the moon or elsewhere. Locations where he’s carried out fieldwork include:<ul><li>Lava Beds National Monument in California (with <a href="https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/" target="_blank">NASA&nbsp;</a><a href="https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/" target="_blank">JPL</a>)</li><li>The Kentucky mega-cave with the <a href="https://costar.jpl.nasa.gov/" target="_blank">CoSTAR</a> team</li><li>Tequixtepec&nbsp;in Mexico with SpéléoQuébec</li></ul>Just check out the images below of field work, courtesy of Dr. Beltrame:<img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNzA2NTYyNDU0NzUyLUlNRy0yMDIzMDMyMy1XQTAwMDAuanBnLndlYnAiLCJlZGl0cyI6eyJyZXNpemUiOnsid2lkdGgiOjk1MCwiZml0IjoiY292ZXIifX19" style="width: 300px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="Tight Space Exploration">Tight Spaces<img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNzA2NTYyNDYyOTQyLWx1bmFyc2V0dGluZy1qcGcud2VicCIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTUwLCJmaXQiOiJjb3ZlciJ9fX0=" style="width: 300px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">ESA Photo<img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNzA2NTYyNDg0ODU3LWltYWdlLXNjYWxlZC53ZWJwIiwiZWRpdHMiOnsicmVzaXplIjp7IndpZHRoIjo5NTAsImZpdCI6ImNvdmVyIn19fQ==" style="width: 300px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="Cave Drone">Cave Drone<img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNzA2NTYyNTAzNzAwLWRyb25ldGVhbS1qcGcud2VicCIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTUwLCJmaXQiOiJjb3ZlciJ9fX0=" style="width: 300px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="ESA Team">ESA Photo<h3 id="isPasted">The InDro Connection&nbsp;</h3>Some of the robots used in the MIST lab – and perhaps eventually on the moon – arrived via InDro Robotics, a North American distributor for AgileX. In fact, Polytechnique has purchased a number of AgileX products, including platforms that InDro has modified to help speed the R&amp;D process. These include:<ul><li>24 LIMOs and simulation table</li><li>AgileX Scout Mini</li><li>AgileX Scout 2.0</li><li>Two AgileX Bunker Mini platforms, with custom builds by InDro</li></ul>We’ve <a href="https://indrorobotics.ca/new-limo-pro-ros2-models-bring-advanced-abilities-to-rd/" target="_blank">written about the LIMO before</a> – a small, affordable and versatile robot capable of perceiving its environment and even Simultaneous Localization and Mapping out of the box. It’s also an ideal size, particuarly when doing multi-agent/swarm robotics, for use in the lab. (You’d run out of space pretty fast with something much larger).“The LIMOs are a very good platform for Simultaneous Localization and Mapping &nbsp;– and perception in general,” says Beltrame.He says they’re a good choice “because they have a 3D camera, they’re lighter, agile, and are sufficiently low in cost. So we can use them in large numbers.&nbsp;Another good thing about the LIMOs is that once you have a lot of similar robots that are reasonably agile, you can actually make a full deployment of software (across all robots).”That makes them an ideal platform for multi-agent research and development.“For example, we developed this tool called Swarm SLAM where many robots collaborate to have a better perception of the environment. We’re currently testing it with the full fleet of LIMOs. That’s&nbsp;something we would have believed impossible with larger robots for logistical reasons.”Though the focus is firmly on space, the Polytechnique Montréal research has applications on earth. Swarms of robots could aid in disaster response, Search &amp; Rescue, and more.<h3>&nbsp;</h3><h3>Favourite Robot</h3>The LIMO isn’t the only AgileX product in Polytechnique’s stable. And while Beltram likes all of them, he has a soft spot for one in particular.“I would say that my favorite robot is the <a href="https://indrorobotics.ca/scout-mini-2/" target="_blank">Scout Mini</a>,” he says. “It’s fast, it’s agile and the control is extremely precise.”In fact, Beltrame often takes the Scout Mini with him when doing school presentations. It’s small enough to be carried in the trunk of his car and hand-carried to classrooms. His team has also used the platform to test a new code for path planning and sophisticated energy calculations. It’s capable of tracking the additional energy required for climbing inclines, for example, then calculating when the robot needs to return home to wirelessly recharge.As always, InDro works with clients to deliver precisely what they need. This saves time for those institutions and corporations on builds, allowing them to get on with the business of R&amp;D.“We’ve done quite a bit of integration for them,” says <a href="mailto:lcorbeth@indrorobotics.com" target="_blank">Luke Corbeth</a>, InDro’s Head of R&amp;D Sales.“For example (see picture below), we provide a top plate with all required hardware mounted and integrated. They then add their own sensors, protective structure, etc. So this is a great example of how we work with clients on a case-by-case basis depending on their needs as robotics isn’t one-size-fits-all.”<img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNzA2NTYyODUzMDA0LWltYWdlLnBuZy53ZWJwIiwiZWRpdHMiOnsicmVzaXplIjp7IndpZHRoIjo5NTAsImZpdCI6ImNvdmVyIn19fQ==" style="width: 300px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="Tracker Robots"> <h3 id="isPasted">One Small Step...</h3>With all of this research, what comes next? Will the work being done today at Polytechnique eventually find its way off this planet?“The answer is it’s going to happen very soon,” says Beltrame.&nbsp;Sometime later this year, a rocket will head toward the moon carrying three small robots. It’s called the Cadre mission.A trio of small rovers will work as a team to explore the moon autonomously, mapping the subsurface in 3D, collecting distributed measurements, and showing the potential of multirobot missions,” says <a href="https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/missions/cadre" target="_blank">NASA’s JPL website.&nbsp;</a>One of Beltrame’s students is working on that mission with JPL.“This is one example of how the work that we’ve been doing in this lab, in the end – through students that were here – become real missions,” says Beltrame.And that’s not all. As early as 2026, a Canadian-built rover could land on the moon in Canada’s first moon mission.Its task? To explore the moon’s south polar region in search of “water ice.” This ice is critical to long-term human habitation on the moon – and can also be converted to fuel, both for energy on the moon and potentially to refuel other spacecraft with destinations further afield.“I have an engineer from the Canadian Space Agency that’s a student of mine that’s developed the Mission Planner. So the idea is that we – our lab – developed the Mission Planner for the Canada rover that’s going to the moon.”Here’s a look at that planned mission, from the CSA:<iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Ti4a0oiWsMk??si=gdkI-fUB2n3fT89r&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0&amp;enablejsapi=1&amp;origin=https://www.wevolver.com" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable" data-lf-form-tracking-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-yt-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-vimeo-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true">&amp;lt;span class="fr-mk" style="display: none;"&amp;gt;&amp;amp;nbsp;&amp;lt;/span&amp;gt;&amp;amp;lt;span class="fr-mk" style="display: none;"&amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;nbsp;&amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span class="fr-mk" style="display: none;"&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;nbsp;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span class="fr-mk" style="display: none;"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;nbsp;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;</iframe><h3 id="isPasted">And There's More</h3>There was some big news this week from Polytechnique Montréal. On January 24 it announced the formation of ASTROLITH, a body for “research in space resource and infrastructure engineering.”It’s the first Canadian group dedicated to lunar engineering, according to a news release.“Comprising experts from all seven Polytechnique departments, ASTROLITH will pursue the mission of helping to develop next-generation technologies and training the engineers of tomorrow to ensure Canada’s presence in space and lunar exploration, as well as addressing critical needs on our planet within the context of climate change, resource management and sustainable development,” reads the release.So while the emphasis is on the moon, ASTROLITH will also result in some very practical – and urgent – use-cases on our home planet.“As encapsulated in its Latin motto Ad Lunam pro Terra, ASTROLITH is dedicated to developing technologies with direct impacts here on Earth: enabling development of infrastructure in the Far North or facilitating the energy transition, for example,” says the release.“Indeed, the research unit’s founding members are already involved in developing technologies in various areas related to space and extreme environments, from design of resilient habitats and infrastructures for remote regions to deployment of cislunar communications technologies to development of advanced robotics systems for prospecting and mining, among many others. Their work is bolstered by contributions from specialists in life-cycle analysis, sustainable development and space-related policy development.”The team is composed of academics and researchers that span all seven Polytechnique departments. Beltrame, not surprisingly, is on the team – which is pictured below. (He’s in the back row, centre.)<img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1706563288421-Screenshot-2024-01-26-at-9.03.42-AM.png.webp" style="width: 300px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="Research Team"><h3 id="isPasted">INDRO’S TAKE</h3>We find the work being carried out at Polytechnique Montréal, the MIST lab – and now ASTROLITH – both fascinating and important. It’s also a terrific example of how dedicated researchers and students can develop and test projects in the lab that eventually have real-world (and off-world) applications.“I’m incredibly impressed with the work being carried out here, and the fact it can be put to positive use-cases both on earth and in space,” says InDro Robotics CEO Philip Reece.“We wish Dr. Beltrame and his colleagues well, and we’ll certainly be watching these lunar missions with great interest. It’s always a pleasure when InDro can support teams doing important work like this.”You can find more about the MIST lab <a href="http://mistlab.ca/" target="_blank">here</a>. And if you’d like to talk about AgileX robots (or any other robotic solution), connect with the InDro experts <a href="https://indrorobotics.ca/connectwithanexpert/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a>.&nbsp;

Bridging Earth and Lunar Exploration with Advanced Research

Robots on Earth Help Prepare for Research on the Moon

Humans, you might have noticed, aren’t perfect. We crash cars. We injure ourselves performing hazardous labor like mining and construction. And we fare poorly in extreme environments we’d like to explore – like the deep ocean or the vacuum of space.But <a href="https://profiles.stanford.edu/marco-pavone" data-extlink="" target="_blank">Marco Pavone</a>, associate professor of aeronautics and astronautics, and his students in the <a href="https://stanfordasl.github.io/" data-extlink="" target="_blank">Autonomous Systems Lab (ASL)</a> hope that emerging technologies like self-driving cars and space robots could one day help us get around these shortcomings.“It takes a lot of effort and equipment to keep people alive in space,” said <a href="https://stanfordasl.github.io/people/stephanie-newdick/" data-extlink="" target="_blank">Stephanie Newdick</a>, a PhD student in Pavone’s lab. And we’re not exactly indestructible on Earth, either. Sometimes, she said, “It just makes more sense to send a robot.”An ideal self-driving car, for instance, should make fewer mistakes than a human driver, allowing passengers to reach their destinations more efficiently and lowering the risk of an accident. And autonomous space robots could repair satellites or explore Martian landscapes – saving astronauts from life-threatening tasks while also pushing the boundaries of space exploration.<h2>An endless stream of decisions</h2>Achieving that level of competence for a space robot or self-driving car, however, is easier said than done. Autonomous systems like these must be able to make decisions and then translate them into physical actions in unpredictable – or completely alien – environments.The ASL tackles both issues, starting with designing decision-making algorithms that treat any scenario as a cost-benefit optimization problem. A self-driving car, for instance, must calculate which series of actions allow it to cross an intersection fastest while avoiding pedestrians and not jostling passengers – all in a few milliseconds. In addition to following fundamentals of good driving, such as staying within lines and abiding by traffic signals, this also involves anticipating the reactions of people in its environment.“If the robot does something, how might a nearby human respond?” Pavone said. “And based on that, how does the robot make its next decision?”Decision-making models also have to navigate the mishmash of cues a car might encounter – recognizing, for instance, that a stop sign printed on a billboard does not mean “stop.” Pavone’s lab is using large language models to design systems that can account for context in scenarios like this. Ideally, Pavone said, those systems will be able to learn from experience.“You see a lot of ‘firsts’ in your life, but you appeal to past experience and you don’t freak out,” Pavone said. “It’s pretty hard to do that with a robot.”<h2>New tools for new worlds</h2>All that decision-making does no good, however, unless a robot can translate it into effective physical actions in unfamiliar environments – for instance, zero gravity.That’s why Pavone’s lab has an air hockey table (or something close to one). Robot prototypes on its ultra-smooth granite surface shoot jets of air downwards and sideways, gliding over it like a puck. This way, Pavone’s lab can test how well the robots’ algorithms translate into lateral (though not vertical) motion in a zero-gravity-like environment.To ensure robots can do their jobs once they get where they’re going, the ASL also works on gripping tools – such as microspines for hooking into irregular surfaces and a <a href="https://news.stanford.edu/2021/05/20/gecko-gripper-tested-aboard-iss/" data-extlink="" target="_blank">gecko-inspired adhesive</a> co-developed with the <a href="http://bdml.stanford.edu/Profiles/MarkCutkosky" data-extlink="" target="_blank">Cutkosky lab</a>. Technologies like these could enable robots like Astrobee, a free-floating assistant aboard the ISS, to move cargo, fetch tools, make repairs, and clear debris.“An astronaut’s time is very valuable, but a significant amount of it is spent on housekeeping. Ideally, you would use a robot for that,” Pavone said, chuckling. “It’s fascinating work, but at the end of the day, we’re building robots to remove junk.”But the ASL’s designs could also help with space exploration. Take <a href="https://news.stanford.edu/2021/05/03/bringing-sci-fi-concepts-real-space-exploration/" data-extlink="" target="_blank">ReachBot</a>, one of Newdick’s main projects. Its eight arms extend like measuring tape with grippers at the ends. Paired with an autonomous navigation system, this could let it clamber around caves and tunnels on Mars without risking a human life to explore in person – but probably not anytime soon.“If I’m really lucky, in 20 years, my work will inspire another robot that does something different, but related,” Newdick said. “But if some part of what you do can contribute to something bigger, then that’s the goal.”<img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1703984910214-20231129_ReachBot__95A0075.png" style="width: 300px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">Schematic of the newer generation of ReachBot, showing some of the technology and features it could have to help with exploration of other planets and celestial bodies. | Image courtesy of Autonomous Systems Lab<h2 id="isPasted">Always more to explore</h2>Deploying autonomous systems has its downsides – especially on Earth, where robots could potentially take some jobs currently held by humans.“That’s always in the back of my mind,” Pavone said. “We develop systems that hopefully will create opportunities in the long run, but in the short term might cause significant pain for some segments of society.”Pavone and his students collaborate with other schools across Stanford to understand those consequences and design different types of strategies to mitigate them – such as <a href="https://hai.stanford.edu/news/equitable-approach-reducing-traffic-through-congestion-pricing" data-extlink="" target="_blank">using AI to redistribute traffic toll money</a> from drivers who can afford tolls to those who can’t.But with space robots, not even the sky’s the limit. Pavone gives the example of Mars: 20 years ago, the goal was just to land a robot there. Now, we’ve sent helicopters to take aerial views of the surface, and with ReachBot, we’re hoping to look underground.“You always want to get into more complicated environments,” Pavone said. Newdick agreed: Given the resources, she said, she’d love to design a robot to crawl down the vents in the icy crust of Enceladus, a moon of Saturn, to search for signs of life – another exploration likely impossible without autonomous robots.“Learning where we came from, where the planets and stars came from – that’s always been a curiosity,” Newdick said. “We can learn a lot doing science on Earth, but we can learn more if we also look elsewhere.”

Associate Professor Marco Pavone and PhD student Stephanie Newdick holding their ReachBot prototype. | Photo courtesy of Andrew Brodhead

From space robots to self-driving cars, Stanford’s Autonomous Systems Lab looks to push the boundaries of exploration and boost the safety and efficiency of everyday tasks.

The limitations of being human got you down? There's a robot for that

In this episode, we discuss a joint endeavor led by ETH Zurich to leverage robotic teams to explore the lunar surface for precious materials.

Podcast: Robotic Pioneers on the Moon's Surface

<div data-id="9908f31" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="heading.default" id="isPasted"><h2>International Space and Robotics Contest</h2></div>For the first time in the history of the University of Applied Sciences Northwestern Switzerland FHNW, a team of nine Bachelor students from three different fields of study successfully participated in the European Rover Challenge (ERC). Within a year, the students built a Mars rover and placed 6th in the competition out of 19 teams from all over Europe, being the only newcomer in the top 10. 'It was a bit like a ‘fish out of water’ experience because we didn’t have any inside knowledge of the competition', explains Nadine Richard- the 5th-semester mechanical engineering student was in charge of the gripper, deep sampling, and the robotic arm.<img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNjk2MjQ0NjcyNzA2LW1hcnMtcm9ib3QtM2QtcHJpbnRlZC0zLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTUwLCJmaXQiOiJjb3ZlciJ9fX0=" style="width: 766px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"><img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNjk2MjQ0NjgxMTM4LW1hcnMtcm9ib3QtM2QtcHJpbnRlZC0yLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTUwLCJmaXQiOiJjb3ZlciJ9fX0=" style="width: 766px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"><img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNjk2MjQ0NjkwMTc5LW1hcnMtcm9ib3QtM2QtcHJpbnRlZC0xLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTUwLCJmaXQiOiJjb3ZlciJ9fX0=" style="width: 766px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">The Mars rover of the FHNW in action at the European Rover Challenge (ERC)<h2>Success with the right goals</h2>For the first participation in the ERC, it was important for the FHNW team to be able to compete with a functioning rover. In the four disciplines of navigation, probing, maintenance, and science, the Mars rover had to prove its skills.&nbsp;<blockquote>'In the development, we focused especially on the drivetrain, as well as the manipulator (robotic arm and gripper), since these two components are elementary for all four tasks in the competition,' emphasizes Nadine.</blockquote><div data-id="c866847" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="heading.default" id="isPasted"><h2>Components from the 3D printer</h2></div>3D printing played a key role in the development of the rover. 'A big advantage of additive manufacturing is the complexity of the parts you can design, as well as the different technologies and materials ready to use,' Nadine explains. For the tires and the signal mast, the team used the FDM printers available at the university. Due to the high demands on the gripper, selective laser sintering (SLS) was used as another 3D printing technology. High durability – due to forces from all directions – and extreme lightness – due to the gripper’s center of gravity being far out – led the students to Sintratec. 'The sponsored components from Sintratec exceeded all our set requirements and performed excellently in all four tasks of the competition', Nadine happily points out.See these incredible images below that showcase the rover and gripper.&nbsp;<img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNjk2MjQ0NzUxMjI0LXNscy0zZC1wcmludGluZy1tYXJzLXJvYm90by5qcGciLCJlZGl0cyI6eyJyZXNpemUiOnsid2lkdGgiOjk1MCwiZml0IjoiY292ZXIifX19" style="width: 766px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"><img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNjk2MjQ0NzU3NzY5LXJvdmVyX2luX3RoZV9GSE5XX3dvcmtzaG9wLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTUwLCJmaXQiOiJjb3ZlciJ9fX0=" style="width: 766px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"><img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNjk2MjQ0NzYzMjM2LWdyaXBwZXJfbW91bnRlZF9jbG9zZXVwLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTUwLCJmaXQiOiJjb3ZlciJ9fX0=" style="width: 766px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">An important element on the Mars rover is the gripper on the manipulator, which is under high loads from all directions.<img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNjk2MjQ0ODAzMDc3LW1hcnMtcm9ib3QtM2QtcHJpbnRlZC00LmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTUwLCJmaXQiOiJjb3ZlciJ9fX0=" style="width: 300px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"><img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNjk2MjQ0ODA4NDkzLW1hcnMtcm9ib3QtM2QtcHJpbnRlZC01LmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTUwLCJmaXQiOiJjb3ZlciJ9fX0=" style="width: 300px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"><img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNjk2MjQ0ODEyMTE3LW1hcnMtcm9ib3QtM2QtcHJpbnRlZC02LmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTUwLCJmaXQiOiJjb3ZlciJ9fX0=" style="width: 300px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">The gripper was 3D printed from lightweight and durable PA12 with the Sintratec SLS technology.<div data-id="f17ceb6" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="heading.default" id="isPasted"><h2>SLS convinces tomorrow’s engineers</h2></div>Nadine Richard’s team was impressed with the high durability, stability, and accuracy of the SLS components printed with PA12 on the Sintratec S2. The lack of support structures also made it advantageous for the project. Sintratec provided guidance and allowed them to incorporate new technology into their project. Nadine plans to use SLS technology for future robotic projects. Learn more about the project in the video below.<iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Ia4PSyXHeYo?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe>

Students from the University of Applied Sciences Northwestern Switzerland (FHNW) build a functional Mars rover using SLS 3D printed parts and take 6th place at the European Mars Rover Challenge (ERC) in Poland.

SLS technology on a mission to Mars?

In this episode, we embark on a journey to the red planet and unveil the remarkable success of the NASA JPL MOXIE (Mars Oxygen In-Situ Resource Utilization Experiment) mission on Mars.

Podcast: Breathing on Mars: MOXIE's Astounding Success

This article was discussed in our <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wevolver.com/profile/the.next.byte&source=gmail&ust=1672821999265000&usg=AOvVaw3lLKdHdEN0YvCEsaHI7hx9" href="https://www.wevolver.com/profile/the.next.byte" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Next Byte podcast</a>.&nbsp;<iframe height="200px" width="100%" frameborder="no" scrolling="no" seamless="" src="https://player.simplecast.com/95b5b321-ff01-4131-9a82-dc2417f0588b?dark=false" class="fr-draggable" data-lf-form-tracking-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-yt-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-vimeo-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true"></iframe> The full article will continue below.<hr>Think about this: while we&#39;re here on Earth, a device on Mars (called MOXIE) is breathing life into our interplanetary ambitions by turning carbon dioxide into oxygen. And it&#39;s not just working; it&#39;s thriving. <h3>The minds behind the mission</h3>The team behind the Mars Oxygen In-Situ Resource Utilization Experiment, colloquially known as MOXIE, was led by principal investigator Michael Hecht from MIT but also includes collaborators from Caltech as well as OxEon Energy. Stationed on NASA&#39;s Perseverance rover, which was designed and managed by NASA JPL, this compact device is making interstellar history. <h3>The drive to innovate</h3>Fundamentally speaking, there will be a massive demand for oxygen in a society that is interplanetary &ndash; it is not only required to sustain life but is also necessary for the combustion of rocket fuel. The roots of MOXIE&#39;s endeavor trace back to the persistent challenge in space exploration: resource transport. Carrying massive oxygen tanks across the vast expanse between Earth and Mars is logistically daunting and downright uneconomical. Thus, the inception of MOXIE: to negate this transportation need by producing oxygen right on the Red Planet.Fast forward to today, MOXIE hasn&#39;t just met expectations; it&#39;s exceeded them. From the time of its Martian touchdown in February 2021, the instrument has not only produced oxygen consistently, but it has also done so under varied atmospheric conditions and at different times, day and night. Its performance, irrespective of the fluctuating Martian atmosphere, stands as a testament to its engineering excellence. <h3>MOXIE&#39;s breathtaking success</h3>Between its start-up in February 2021 and September 2023, MOXIE accumulated a total output of 122 grams of oxygen. At maximum operational capacity, the system produced 12 grams of oxygen each hour, achieving a purity level of 98% or higher. The consistent target was six grams of oxygen per hour, a rate comparable to the oxygen output of a standard terrestrial tree.&nbsp;MOXIE matched or exceeded both its purity and volume targets during this experiment.Impressively, MOXIE&#39;s oxygen production was also consistent across Mars&#39; intense seasonal variation. Because of vast differences in temperature between seasons, Mars&#39; atmospheric density can vary up to twofold throughout the year, which presents a dynamic environment for MOXIE&#39;s oxygen production. <h3>The secret sauce behind MOXIE</h3>The wizardry of MOXIE is both fascinating and profoundly technical, ingeniously designed to work under the highly variable Martian conditions.MOXIE begins its operations by first drawing in carbon dioxide-rich Martian air, which is filtered to rid contaminants. The air is subsequently pressurized and channeled through the Solid OXide Electrolyzer (SOXE), which was developed by OxEon Energy. SOXE electrochemically dissects the air into oxygen ions and carbon monoxide. The oxygen ions are skillfully isolated and recombined, resulting in molecular oxygen, or O2. Before releasing it back into the Martian atmosphere (alongside carbon monoxide and other gases), MOXIE conducts tests to determine whether the oxygen&#39;s quantity and purity meet the mark.&nbsp; <img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNjk1MjQ1NDc0MjM3LTY0OTBfTWFycy0yMDIwLU5BU0EtTU9YSUUtQ2FyYm9uLU94eWdlbi1mdWxsMi5qcGciLCJlZGl0cyI6eyJyZXNpemUiOnsid2lkdGgiOjk1MCwiZml0IjoiY292ZXIifX19" style="width: 518px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">NASA/JPL-CaltechFurthermore, accommodating MOXIE&#39;s function within the Perseverance rover&#39;s busy schedule demanded adaptability. Designed to operate intermittently, MOXIE&#39;s performance during various times of the Martian day and throughout diverse seasons showed its resilience. While full-scale versions of MOXIE are envisioned to run continually, the current design&#39;s episodic functioning has demonstrated robustness against potential wear and tear. <h3>Beyond the experiment</h3>Following MOXIE&#39;s success, the research group still sees lots of future work on the horizon for in-situ oxygen production, including designing a future full-scale system that is designed to run nonstop (the current system is designed to operate only in short bursts). The ultimate goal is to a dispatch larger version of MOXIE to Mars and allow it to produce and store up large quantities of oxygen to support future missions.All in all, this isn&#39;t just a technological win; it&#39;s a game-changer. MOXIE&#39;s proven ability to transform plentiful Martian carbon dioxide into oxygen means the dream of return flights from Mars &ndash; and perhaps eventual manned exploration &ndash; &nbsp;is a significant step closer. MOXIE has not just created oxygen but also started paving the path for humanity&#39;s next big interplanetary leap.

MOXIE successfully turned Martian carbon dioxide into usable oxygen – a monumental achievement with even bigger implications for the future of space exploration 


Breathtaking Success on Mars: MOXIE Experiment Delivers as Promised

In this episode, we discuss the fascinating world of bioinspired robotics. Discover how researchers have created versatile robots inspired by nature's flight, rolling, and walking abilities.

Podcast: Mighty Morphing All Terrain Robots Made By Nature

This article was discussed in our <a href="https://www.wevolver.com/profile/the.next.byte" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Next Byte podcast</a>.&nbsp;<iframe height="200px" width="100%" frameborder="no" scrolling="no" seamless="" src="https://player.simplecast.com/d276c196-937b-457c-ace1-49478d943a8b?dark=false" class="fr-draggable" data-gtm-yt-inspected-10="true" data-lf-form-tracking-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-yt-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-vimeo-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true"></iframe> The full article will continue below.<hr>On the Moon, there are raw materials that humanity could one day mine and use. Various space agencies, such as the European Space Agency (ESA), are already planning missions to better explore Earth’s satellite and find minerals. This calls for appropriate exploration vehicles. Swiss researchers led by ETH Zurich are now pursuing the idea of sending not just one solitary rover on an exploration tour, but rather an entire team of vehicles and flying devices that complement each other.The researchers equipped three ANYmal – a type of legged robot developed at ETH – with a range of measuring and analysis instruments that would potentially make them suitable exploration devices in the future. They tested these robots on various terrains in Switzerland and at the European Space Resources Innovation Centre (ESRIC) in Luxembourg, where, a few months ago, the Swiss team won a European competition for lunar exploration robots together with colleagues from Germany. The competition involved finding and identifying minerals on a test site modelled after the surface of the Moon. In the latest issue of the journal <a href="https://doi.org/10.1126/scirobotics.ade9548" target="_blank">Science Robotics</a>, the scientists describe how they go about exploring an unknown terrain using a team of robots.<h2>Insurance against failure</h2>“Using multiple robots has two advantages,” explains Philip Arm, a doctoral student in the group led by ETH Professor Marco Hutter. “The individual robots can take on specialised tasks and perform them simultaneously. Moreover, thanks to its redundancy, a robot team is able to compensate for a teammate’s failure.” Redundancy in this case means that important measuring equipment is installed on several robots. In other words, redundancy and specialisation are opposing goals. “Getting the benefits of both is a matter of finding the right balance,” Arm says.<iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/bqwbQzVrzkQ?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0&amp;enablejsapi=1&amp;origin=https://www.wevolver.com" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable" data-lf-form-tracking-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-yt-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-vimeo-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-gtm-yt-inspected-10="true" id="168277725" title="Robots for Lunar Exploration">&nbsp;</iframe>(Video: ETH Zurich with footage from the University of Zurich / IT Services, MELS)&nbsp;The researchers at ETH Zurich and the Universities of Basel, Bern and Zurich solved this problem by equipping two of the legged robots as specialists. One robot was programmed to be particularly good at mapping the terrain and classifying the geology. It used a laser scanner and several cameras – some of them capable of spectral analysis – to gather initial clues about the mineral composition of the rock. The other specialist robot was taught to precisely identify rocks using a Raman spectrometer and a microscopy camera.The third robot was a generalist: it was able to both map the terrain and identify rocks, which meant that it had a broader range of tasks than the specialists. However, its equipment meant that it could perform these tasks with less precision. “This makes it possible to complete the mission should any one of the robots malfunction,” Arm says.<h2>Combination is key</h2>At the ESRIC and ESA Space Resources Challenge, the jury was particularly impressed that the researchers had built redundancy into their exploration system to make it resilient to potential failures. As a prize, the Swiss scientists and their colleagues from the FZI Research Center for Information Technology in Karlsruhe, were awarded a one-year research contract to further develop this technology. In addition to legged robots, this work will also involve robots with wheels, building on the FZI researchers’ experience with such robots.<img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNjg5MzI0NTY5ODI1LWltYWdlLmltYWdlZm9ybWF0LjEyODYuMTE1MTEzNjAzNC5qcGciLCJlZGl0cyI6eyJyZXNpemUiOnsid2lkdGgiOjk1MCwiZml0IjoiY292ZXIifX19" style="width: 766px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">The Swiss team with one of their legged robots and astronaut Matthias Maurer (centre) at the Space Resources Challenge. (Photograph: ETH Zurich)&nbsp;“Legged robots like our ANYmal cope well in rocky and steep terrain, for example when it comes to climbing down into a crater,” explains Hendrik Kolvenbach, a senior scientist in Professor Hutter’s group. Robots with wheels are at a disadvantage in these kinds of conditions, but they can move faster on less challenging terrain. For a future mission, it would therefore make sense to combine robots that differ in terms of their mode of locomotion. Flying robots could also be added to the team.The researchers also plan to make the robots more autonomous. Presently, all data from the robots flows into a control centre, where an operator assigns tasks to the individual robots. In the future, semi-autonomous robots could directly assign certain tasks to each other, with control and intervention options for the operator.<hr><h2 id="isPasted">Reference</h2>Arm P, Waibel G, Preisig J, Tuna T, Zhou R, Bickel V, Ligeza G, Miki T, Kehl F, Kolvenbach H, Hutter M: Scientific Exploration of Challenging Planetary Analog Environments with a Team of Legged Robots. Science Robotics, 12 June 2023, doi: <a href="https://doi.org/10.1126/scirobotics.ade9548" target="_blank">10.1126/scirobotics.ade9548</a>

A team is greater than the sum of its parts – the trio of legged robots during a test in a Swiss gravel quarry. (Photograph: ETH Zurich / Takahiro Miki)

Swiss engineers are training legged robots for future lunar missions that will search for minerals and raw materials. To ensure that the robots can continue to work even if one of them malfunctions, the researchers are teaching them teamwork.

Robot team on lunar exploration tour

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