NASA’s Valkyrie Robot Enters Advanced Testing Phase

NASA’s Valkyrie robot, the first bipedal robot developed by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, is currently undergoing its final testing stages at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. The robot is designed to perform space-related tasks deemed too hazardous or mundane for astronauts, contributing to the advancement of space exploration.

Given the numerous risks associated with outer space, including radiation, debris, and extreme temperatures, deploying robots alongside astronauts can offer protection from these conditions. This development is anticipated to enhance the safety and efficiency of future space missions.

Key Features of the Valkyrie Robot:

Power Sources: Valkyrie can be powered through a wall connection or a dual-voltage battery. While the battery has a one-hour duration, it serves as a reliable backup power source, allowing the robot to operate away from its wired power supply.

Operational Hours: The goal is to have the system online for 22 hours a day. The robot features a swappable battery, enabling continuous operation by replacing the battery every four hours.

Flexibility: The robot’s head incorporates a Carnegie Robotics Multisense SL sensor, providing situational awareness, while hazard cameras are placed in the torso. The torso includes elastic rotary and linear actuators facilitating motion between the torso and pelvis.

Stability: The pelvis contains elastic rotary actuators and rotation joints to maintain the stability of the robot’s body. The upper arms feature four actuators with quick disconnects for ease of shipping and servicing.

Modularity: Designed with modularity in mind, Valkyrie aims to adapt to various applications without replacing human crews. This approach allows the robot to handle mundane, dirty, and dangerous tasks, freeing up astronauts for higher-level activities.

The testing phases and development of the Valkyrie robot have been ongoing since last year, with NASA continuously refining its capabilities. The robot’s recent testing included a deployment to a Woodside Energy facility in Western Australia, where it underwent evaluation in harsh conditions, providing valuable data for further improvements.

Apptronik, a company associated with NASA, is developing a similar robot named Apollo, intended for terrestrial tasks such as warehouse operations, moving packages in manufacturing plants, and other supply chain-oriented activities.

The Valkyrie robot represents a significant advancement in robotics technology, offering potential applications not only in space exploration but also across various industries on Earth.

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