Robotics and the Future of Space Robots
Overview
The field of robotics has shown tremendous advancement and growth in recent years, and space robots are no exception. The exploration of space necessitates high levels of dependability and autonomy, resulting in the rise of robotics. Robotics’ effects on space exploration include enhancing safety during extraterrestrial missions, reducing humans' risks, improving efficiency, and expanding capabilities in inhospitable environments. This report is an overview of robotics and the future of space robots, filled with pertinent statistics and takeaways.
Increased Dependence on Robotics for Space Exploration
Over the years, the dependence on robotic technology for space exploration has increased substantially. By 2020, more than 12 nations had launched around 200 lunar and planetary missions, out of which nearly 40% employed robotics technology. Robots can perform complex missions which would be challenging or impossible for humans, such as repairing damaged equipment in hazardous space conditions or exploring distant celestial bodies for extended periods. With further advancements in robotics technology, we can expect this reliance to grow even more in future.
The Future of Space Robots
The future of space robots seems very promising. As per a recent report, the global robotics technology market in the space industry is predicted to reach $5.4 billion by 2025, growing at a CAGR of over 13%. This growth can be attributed to the increased use of robots for space missions and advancements in artificial intelligence. Additionally, NASA plans to use robots to establish a continuous human presence on the Moon by 2024, further fueling the growth of the market.
Robotics Enhancing Safety during Space Misssions
One of the main advantages of space robots is their ability to enhance safety during space missions. This is particularly important given that astronauts face immense risks during extraterrestrial tasks. A review by NASA revealed a 14% chance of fatalities and a 27% chance of major accidents during space expeditions. Thus, the reliance on robots, who can handle high-risk activities, can significantly reduce these percentages, ensuring astronaut safety.
Key Takeaways
• The dependence on robotics for space exploration has increased significantly in the recent years, with nearly 40% of space missions employing robots.
• The global robotics technology market in the space industry is expected to reach $5.4 billion by 2025.
• Robot technology can significantly enhance safety during space missions, reducing fatality and accident risks by taking on high-risk activities.
About 3Laws Robotics
3Laws Robotics is committed to enhance safety and reliability in robotic systems. A significant focus area for 3Laws is addressing the challenge of certification, a significant hurdle for robotics companies. Our software, the 3Laws Supervisor, not only simplifies the certification process via its robust safety features but also offers evidence of system robustness, easing the path to certification. Built on Control Barrier Functions, a technology developed at Caltech, 3Laws Supervisor brings mathematically provable safety to the table. A wide range of industries and applications can find value in what we offer.
3Laws assisted an autonomous forklift customer to achieve a 40% efficiency gain, leading to a swift 6-month payback period. This can translate to similar benefits in space missions. We also enable safe and uninterrupted operation of robots near humans, fulfilling a growing need for collaborative robotics. Our reactive collision avoidance capabilities allow robots to navigate effectively in unpredictable surroundings, a necessary feature for outer space.
By providing real-time guardrails for autonomy stacks, 3Laws allows robots to operate close to their peak capabilities while providing safety. Our software is adaptable and works with a wide spectrum of platforms, such as mobile robots, cars, drones, and manipulators. It works seamlessly with popular robotics middleware such as ROS and ROS2. Our mission at 3Laws is to be the next-generation safety solution that employs a proactive approach to safety, potentially unlocking the full potential of robotics with dynamic, predictive safety certifiable for ISO 3691-4 and ISO 26262.