Robots in the Desert
 

If you would like to get some good insight into how humans and robots may one day cooperate in the exploration of the Moon and Mars, check out the Desert Rats web site. Since last weekend, a team of NASA robotics and exploration researchers have been in the Arizona desert, simulating a human/robotic exploration mission to Mars. This simulation is being conducted to evaluate several technologies for potential future use in Mars exploration missions, and to better understand how humans and robots can cooperate to increase task productivity. And, the Robonaut, K-10 and ATHLETE robots are just plain cool. :)

-dave

Re: Robots in the Desert
 

That is really COOL!!!

Silly question, I see only half a human/dummy on the robot. I the future man a robot become one? :ahh:

(hmmm..... a 2007 clue? Another one for the Handy-Dandy Clue book.)

Re: Robots in the Desert
 

Here's a picture of the ATHLETE (All-Terain Hex-Legged Extra-Terrestrial Explorer) robot in action near Berringer Crater, Arizona. Notice that the "deck" is perfectly level. ATHLETE can accommodate almost half a ton of "payload" (habitat, instrumentation, supplies, etc.) and move at 10 km/hr over rugged terrain. It can have its legs tucked in for launch, connect to other ATHLETE to form a "train", and climb slopes in excess of 45 degrees. JPL is leading the development of ATHLETE in conjunction with NASA/Johnson Space Center, NASA/Ames Research Center, Stanford University (winner of the DARPA Grand Challenge) and Boeing. This robot could play a significant role in NASA's Vision for Space Exploration, where a permanent human presence on the Moon and eventual human exploration of Mars is planned.

Re: Robots in the Desert
 

Why do some photos give you goosebumps? :]

Re: Robots in the Desert
 

This was really cool to see especially since I saw this summer the Centaur base, Scout and Athlete. When we went to visit JPL we heard about this testing and it was really great to hear that the testing went well.

Congrats to all those that have been working on these missions!



Thank you NASA and the NASA Robotics Academy 2006 folks. Seeing these robots, really inspire you to keep on studying hard in school.

Re: Robots in the Desert
 

why the head at 10,000 $ a pound to get some thing in to space why put a head on the robot