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Space robotics poised to see ‘explosive growth’, says new report

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Five years ago, NASA launched a mission straight out of a sci-fi blockbuster by deploying its robotic system, Astrobees, on the International Space Station (ISS) to assist astronauts with repair and maintenance.

Fast forward to today, and space robotics has taken a giant leap forward, becoming a hotbed of innovation and investment. This burgeoning field is now at a pivotal moment, poised for explosive growth.

The past three years have seen over 40 pioneering companies enter the space robotics arena, attracting more than $200 million in venture capital, according to Technology Foresights, an innovation intelligence platform by GlobalData, a research, data and analytics company. [Read more…] about Space robotics poised to see ‘explosive growth’, says new report

GMV develops new robotic technologies to remove space debris and refuel spacecraft

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As the space ecosystem continues to grow and diversify, bringing with it a new economic era, it has become essential to address issues related to space sustainability, to ensure that we can use space in a responsible way over the long term.

The multinational technology firm GMV has become prominent in the space industry, with a firm commitment to performing its space-related activities in a socially and environmentally respectful way.

The company is now performing work and testing at its exclusive “platform-art” test bench. This work involves a range of important technologies for removing space debris, and for performing in-orbit maintenance, refueling, and assembly of complex infrastructure and elements.

[Read more…] about GMV develops new robotic technologies to remove space debris and refuel spacecraft

ETH unveils space-hopping robot for asteroid exploration

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As part of the SpaceHopper project, ETH Zurich students are developing a robot that can navigate very low gravity environments using a jumping-​like mode of locomotion.

One day the SpaceHopper will be deployed on space missions to explore relatively small celestial bodies such as asteroids and moons.

These are thought to contain valuable mineral resources that could be of use to humankind in the future. The exploration of these bodies could also give us insights into our universe’s formation. [Read more…] about ETH unveils space-hopping robot for asteroid exploration

Virtual Incision’s miniaturized surgical robot en route to International Space Station

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Virtual Incision, the developer of the MIRA Surgical System, says that spaceMIRA is currently in transit to the International Space Station.

The device is aboard a Northrop Grumman Cygnus cargo spacecraft carried by a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.

The 2024 technology demonstration mission is driven by a grant awarded from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to the University of Nebraska through the Established Program to Competitive Research (EPSCoR) program. [Read more…] about Virtual Incision’s miniaturized surgical robot en route to International Space Station

Unlocking Efficiency: How Warehouse Mapping Streamlines Your Inventory Management Process

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As technology continues to shape our lives and provide convenience, it also helps large and small businesses enhance their productivity.

Inventory management is a critical aspect of running a successful business; it is a key tool that can significantly enhance the process of warehouse mapping.

Whether you run a small retail store or a large distribution center, efficient inventory management can save you time and overhead expenditure. [Read more…] about Unlocking Efficiency: How Warehouse Mapping Streamlines Your Inventory Management Process

Fugro SpAARC’s space operations set to grow with further funding

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Fugro’s Space Automation, AI and Robotics Control Complex (SpAARC) in Perth, Western Australia (WA), is to receive an additional AUD 5 million (just under $3.2 million US) in funding from the WA Government.

Roger Cook, the WA Premier, made the announcement at the Pan Pacific Hotel in Perth on the morning of the opening of IPSEC 2023, Perth’s Indo-Pacific Space and Earth Conference for leaders in space and cross-sector technologies.

This additional funding cements Fugro SpAARC’s position as an international hub for space activities and will boost both WA’s and Fugro’s capacity for space mission operations. [Read more…] about Fugro SpAARC’s space operations set to grow with further funding

Advanced Navigation ‘furthering space exploration’ with NASA and Intuitive Machines

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Advanced Navigation, an AI robotics and navigation technology developer, has been awarded a Moon to Mars Initiative: Demonstrator Mission Grant by the Australian Space Agency, to support NASA’s endeavour to explore the Moon and beyond to Mars.

The grant will accelerate development and production of the company’s breakthrough Light Detection, Altimetry and Velocimetry (LiDAV) technology.

Supported by this award, Advanced Navigation will deliver a space-qualified LiDAV sensor called LUNA (Laser measurement Unit for Navigational Aid) to US-based space systems company, Intuitive Machines, as part of NASA’s ongoing Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) programme. [Read more…] about Advanced Navigation ‘furthering space exploration’ with NASA and Intuitive Machines

Saudi Arabia’s first astronauts return home after historic scientific mission to space

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Astronauts Rayyanah Barnawi and Ali AlQarni arrived in Saudi Arabia amidst celebrations and an official welcome home.

They have accomplished the country’s successful and historic scientific mission to space aboard the ISS.

They have finished their quarantine and conducted all the medical tests required to evaluate the effects of microgravity on the human body. [Read more…] about Saudi Arabia’s first astronauts return home after historic scientific mission to space

PickNik Robotics secures two new NASA contracts

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PickNik Robotics, a leading provider of advanced robotic solutions, is pleased to announce its success in securing two Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contracts with NASA.

These prestigious contracts highlight PickNik Robotics’ continued expertise in developing cutting-edge technologies for autonomous robotic manipulation, utilization, and maintenance, as well as integrated mission planning and execution for space operations.

The first SBIR award focuses on a groundbreaking project titled “A Framework for Failure Management and Recovery for Remote Autonomous Task Planning and Execution”. [Read more…] about PickNik Robotics secures two new NASA contracts

Humatics launches ‘first’ robotic system with microlocation for in-motion assembly lines

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Humatics is planning to showcase what it says is “an industry first” – an in-motion engine assembly application with multiple robotic arms working concurrently in the same pitch.

The company will show off its new microlocation technology at this year’s Automate Show in Detroit, Michigan.

Humatics says the ability to introduce automation into production environments to achieve tasks that were previously not possible with robotics “opens up a new level of cost reduction, quality control and profitability contribution for the automotive and aerospace manufacturing industries”. [Read more…] about Humatics launches ‘first’ robotic system with microlocation for in-motion assembly lines