Robotics Technology Center

Robonauts: NASA’s Telepresence Space Mechanic

In aid of extreme conditions, NASA developed a humanoid astronaut to assist astronauts in space. The extreme temperature and pressure in space, makes astronaut preparation a lot longer. They have to wear space suits that cost 12 million dollars apiece. And before going out from the space shuttle, the astronauts must first undergo a breath briefing in order to adjust their lungs to the outside pressure.

Robonaut, is a revolutionary innovation for astronauts. It is an on-site, ready-to-go, robot assistant when emergency arises in space crafts. Being a robot, NASA won't have to worry about extreme conditions anymore, because robonaut was designed with materials to withstand these conditions such as aluminum, teflon and kevlar padding.

High-power cameras are embedded in its eyes. It's arms and hands were equipped with joints, sensors, fail-safe breaks, space motors and harmonic devices designed to give the robot as much dexterity and movement-freedom as possible. The arms will also house brushless motors that will be used to power the fingers in the hand.

Robonaut will be remotely operated by an astronaut (like that of virtual reality). It will function however the astronaut move especially with tools handling for quick repairs to space satellites.

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