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NASA is betting big on the future of space robots. As automated gadgets become more and more advanced, scientists are starting to imagine how robots could not only help space travelers, but could even assume some of the burden associated with various tasks.
To explore these possibilities, NASA sent a trio of Astrobee robots to the International Space Station last month, and the ISS crew has just tested them. In a new message on the NASA website, the agency gives a quick overview of floating robots tested by astronauts.
In a brief update, NASA notes that the robots will undergo several tests during their stay aboard the space station. Autonomous gadgets are able to achieve impressive feats, including navigating the space station's zero gravity environment through an integrated fan system.
The robots, who know that their batteries are exhausted and go to their own charging station every time they need more juice, will not take on serious responsibilities anytime soon, but that does not mean they will not be able anymore. In fact, NASA hopes that similar robotic systems could be ready for prime time before NASA is ready to return to the moon.
"The robots will play an important role in the agency's mission to return to the moon as well as other missions in deep space," NASA said. "Astrobee will be used to test how robots can help the crew and perform surveillance tasks on a spacecraft. This will increase the productivity of astronauts and help maintain spacecraft when astronauts are not present near the Moon, Mars or other outposts in the deep space. "
It's hard to imagine today, but in the near future, human astronauts could rely heavily on AI-led robots to provide support during space missions.
Source of image: NASA
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