Developed by the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), the robot weighs around 100 kg and has 4 wheels to navigate the uneven surface of the moon. Unlike previous lunar rover-type robots, this new one comes with a pair of robotic arms to handle and manipulate tools.
This is important because most existing tools and systems for space programs are designed around the way the human body works, specifically the astronaut’s arm and hand.
Chang’e-8 will receive a robot carrier
“We heard that Chang’e-7 is likely to see the first humanoid robot land on the South Pole of the Moon. But our robot will go to another part of the South Pole – it’s a very large area and we’re curious about it all,” explained HKUST Professor Gao Yang.
“This will be a new demonstration of humanoid robotics on the moon by China. We are very proud of this design,” she added.
According to the design team, it also comes with artificial intelligence (AI) that allows it to operate semi-autonomously. This combination of rover wheels and humanoid robotic arms is designed to get the best of both worlds when on the moon.
The wheels will provide excellent reliability and energy efficiency for moving around the lunar surface, while the arms provide great dexterity for manipulating objects. According to the team, once the lander reaches the lunar surface, the robot will deploy to perform tasks such as carrying scientific instruments and placing sensors in specific locations.
It will also act as a “girder” to install equipment, potentially help build infrastructure and collect lunar soil/rock samples. To that end, the robot symbolizes changes in the goals of lunar missions from pure observation and sample collection to more of an on-site engineering project.
(Vijesti.ba)
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