Contents
21 June 2017
Vol 2, Issue 7
Vol 2, Issue 7
Editorial
- Robotics for space and marine sciences
Harsh space and ocean environments push the limits of sensing, control, and manipulation of robotic systems.
Focus
- Inexpensive, small AUVs for studying ice-covered polar environments
Autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) can collect robust data on sea-ice thickness and seasonal variability in polar regions.
- Exploration telepresence: A strategy for optimizing scientific research at remote space destinations
Modern telepresence technologies put scientists at faraway destinations in space.
- Robotic space exploration agents
Robotic spacecraft that can make exploration decisions will enable scientific investigations far from Earth.
Research Articles
- A robotic device using gecko-inspired adhesives can grasp and manipulate large objects in microgravity
A load-sharing robotic device can grasp, manipulate, and release objects in microgravity using space-qualified dry adhesives.
- AEGIS autonomous targeting for ChemCam on Mars Science Laboratory: Deployment and results of initial science team use
Autonomous target selection and pointing refinement steer a remote geochemical LIBS instrument on Mars, increasing data return.
Review
- Review on space robotics: Toward top-level science through space exploration
Robotics and autonomous systems have been key to space exploration and science and will continue to be instrumental.
About The Cover
ONLINE COVER Exploring Extreme Environments. Human exploration of space and marine environments requires extensive and expensive redundant life support systems found on submarines and spacecraft. In contrast, robots have a huge operating range advantage over humans and are already able to operate cost effectively and with high precision in extremely harsh environments. They can also deliver new possibilities in sensing and materials handling that are far outside the capabilities of unaided humans. Combining human insight and flexible problem solving with robotic sensor and effectors will create the next generation of explorers. [CREDIT: ESA]