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Space Robotics
The Martian surface, with its carbon-dioxide atmosphere and average -63°C temperature, is not the ideal place for a stroll. However, a new generation of legged robots is taking the first steps towards an active part in further space exploration. After years of research, legged systems are proving to have better mobility on difficult terrain than devices with wheels. Various prototypes are being built to optimise the interaction with extra-terrestrial environments.
 Biomimetics is a scientific branch that attempts to imitate nature. The result is an eight-legged robot called the Scorpion, based on the walking patterns of real scorpions. It is a prototype being tested by the DFKI (German Research Centre for Artificial Intelligence) at the University of Bremen in Germany. It is expected to be capable of climbing the Martian iron-oxide dunes at 1.2 km/h as it takes rock samples. The Scorpion is equipped with 60 sensors and 24 independent motors articulating the joints, allowing the robot to adapt to different obstacles and terrains. Its cameras and sensors analyse the surroundings, while sending TV pictures 70 million km to Earth.
Aramis is a robot that can act autonomously. Two ultra-sound sensors and a laser scanner measure the required distances to identify whether a course is safe or not. Such a robot could tackle rough and steep gorges and craters like those on Mars and the Moon.
Space robotics is applicable in many other fields. The requirements for the electronics and hardware in the uncompromising conditions of space are leading to very advanced developments. All the materials used must not degrade; all functions are to work in hostile environments. The standards required on Earth are then easily met and the technology from this field is finding many uses (for example, in underwater or security applications). Supported by the European project Hector, the DFKI is adapting the space technology for use by search-and-rescue teams.
Researchers and students of the Mecatronics Department at the Politecnico di Torino in Italy have similar goals to those at the DFKI. They believe a multi-legged device with rigid frames is the best approach to carrying heavy loads over a rough terrain. Walkie 6.4 is a semi-autonomous robot still being developed. Each of its six feet senses the ground below it and the robot can decide whether it can proceed while maintaining stability. If the situation becomes too dangerous, the robot stops and asks for human orders. It is hoped that Walkie 6.4 could one day make all its decisions alone.
These robots are vital for any Mars or Moon exploration. To access difficult areas (for example, volcanic lava tunnels where the surface inside is very irregular) devices with high mobility are essential. The institutes in Bremen and Turin plan to share their knowledge to accelerate further advances in design. They share the dream of sending a European walking robot into space within the next decade.
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