Artificial intelligence is a booming frontier which has enabled us to give birth to humanoid robots. Humanoid robots are the latest eye-catching technology which is constantly on evolution. Although we are still miles behind in manufacturing humanoid robots that completely imitates human form, we do have made fair progress. Most of the humanoid robots are capable of imitating the basic human characteristics of locomotion. This property has enabled them to be used as objects for various scientific experiments. And scientists believe that these humanoid robots would contribute massively to space research as well. Thinking on the same lines, NASA has announced that they will be using Northeastern University’s humanoid robot R5 in their Mars research program.
Christened as Valkyrie, a name taken from Norse Mythology, this robot could be used in future NASA missions either as precursor robots performing mission tasks before humans arrive or as human-assistive robots actively collaborating with the human crew. R5 initially was designed to complete disaster-relief manoeuvres, however, its main goal is to prove itself worthy of even trickier terrain – deep space exploration. Valkyrie will enable breakthroughs in humanoid control, motion planning, and perception. This opportunity is the latest example of Northeastern University’s interdisciplinary approach to use-inspired research, where multidisciplinary teams focus on solving the greatest challenges in health, security, and sustainability.
According to NASA’s announcement, these robots could be sent to Mars or into other extreme space environments to perform duties before humans arrive or work alongside human crews. Northeastern was chosen after a rigorous selection process, which included participating in the Defence Advanced Research Projects Agency Robotics Challenge under the direction of principal investigator Taskin Padir, an associate professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. The team will receive up to $250,000 a year for two years and have access to onsite and virtual technical support from NASA.
Shraddha Patil