Astrobee? Such robots will help astronauts reduce time they spend on routine duties. The idea, of course, is to give them more free time to focus on things only humans can do.
You can see a more detailed picture right.
Nasa writes:
“Working autonomously or via remote control by astronauts, flight controllers or researchers on the ground, the robots are designed to complete tasks such as taking inventory, documenting experiments conducted by astronauts with their built-in cameras or working together to move cargo throughout the station.”
“In addition, the system serves as a research platform that can be outfitted and programmed to carry out experiments in microgravity – helping us to learn more about how robotics can benefit astronauts in space.”
Astrobee
Shaped like cubes, they measure 12.5 inches in width. Apparently, there are three of them currently, and they are named Honey, Queen, and Bumble (pictured)! Cameras and sensors help them to “see” and navigate their surroundings.
Note that each robot carries a perching arm that allows it to grasp station handrails. This is in order to conserve energy or to better assist astronauts.
Periodically, the robots will return to their docking station and recharge their battery power.
The Astrobee system comes from NASA’s Ames Research Center in Santa Clara County, California. They are specifically for use inside the International Space Station. The agency says the Astrobee builds on lessons learned from its SPHERES robots (Synchronized Position Hold, Engage, Reorient, Experimental Satellite). These have been aboard the station for over a decade.
You can read more about Astrobee on the Nasa website.
Image: Nasa
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