NASA and General Motors (GM) are working together to accelerate development of the next-generation of robots and related technologies for use in the automotive and aerospace industries.
Engineers and scientists from NASA and GM worked together through a space act agreement at the agency's Johnson Space Center in Houston to build a new humanoid robot capable of working side by side with people. Using edge control, sensor and vision technologies, future robots could assist astronauts during hazardous space missions and help GM build safer cars and plants.
The two organizations, with the help of engineers from Oceaneering Space Systems of Houston, developed and built the next iteration of Robonaut. Robonaut 2, or R2, is a fast, more dexterous and technologically advanced robot. This new generation robot can use its hands to do work beyond the scope of prior humanoid machines. R2 can work safely alongside people, a necessity both on Earth and in space.
Doug Cooke, associate administrator for the exploration systems mission directorate at NASA, said: “This cutting-edge robotics technology holds great promise, not only for NASA, but also for the nation. I'm very excited about the new opportunities for human and robotic exploration these versatile robots provide across a wide range of applications.”
Alan Taub, vice president for global research and development at GM, said: “For GM, this is about safer cars and safer plants. The partnership's vision is to explore advanced robots working together in harmony with people, building better, higher quality vehicles in a safer, more competitive manufacturing environment.”
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