NASA engineers develop dexterous robots to assist humans in space exploration
At NASA’s Johnson Space Center, a 16-member Dexterous Robotics Team is building advanced hardware and software designed to perform complex manual tasks in extreme environments, aiming to increase safety and productivity for future lunar and Martian missions.
Led by Shaun Azimi, the team focuses on creating reliable robots that can work alongside humans rather than replacing them. According to NASA, the group draws on experience from previous humanoid projects, including the bipedal Valkyrie and the Robonaut 2, which spent seven years demonstrating technology on the International Space Station. The team's work spans mechatronics and software, often collaborating with private industry partners to adapt terrestrial technologies for space-based logistics and maintenance.
A central component of their research is the iMETRO facility, an integrated testbed used to evaluate robotic operations. This facility provides simulation assets, habitat mockups, and an outdoor rock yard to help engineers and external partners, such as PickNik Inc., test how robots interact with spacecraft components. By using iMETRO, designers can refine lunar habitats and rovers to better accommodate robotic perception and physical interaction, potentially improving interfaces for human astronauts as well.
Source: Reliable Robots: Meet Johnson’s Dexterous Robotics Team
