NASA creates humanoid robot to explore Mars
Humanity is fascinated by Mars. Since the 70s, we have been sending probes to the red planet in order to understand it better. THE NASA, an American space agency, already has plans to send humans there, but recognizes that the adaptation challenges are great.
The planet that has an unprotected surface against solar radiation and is extremes of temperature, two conditions that can be fatal to humans. Aware of this challenge and thinking about alternatives, the agency also created a humanoid robot, called “Valkyrie“, which will help in the future exploration and colonization of Mars.
O Valkyrie it is part of a long-term investment by the US space agency to create autonomous or partially remotely guided robotic mechanisms to help create environments conducive to human life on other planets. The robot presented is already the fifth generation of the family and should participate in the competition Darpa Robotics Challenge (DRC), which will take place at the end of the month.
O Valkyrie stands 1,9 meters tall and weighs 125 kg and was made to look like a human. Although it is still far from it, it already represents great advances. Nicolaus Radford, project manager of NASA, states that it is also coated with a foam: “If you touch it while you're working, you won't feel the cold, hard metal. You want him to look natural, like a normal human being working alongside you.”
Unfortunately, one of the weaknesses of the Valkyrie, which despite the name, has no defined genre, is its drums. nor the NASA managed to create a better battery for his robot. he has only 1 hour of autonomy, until asking for a recharge, even though the battery may be changed in minutes.
The "super hero robot" has cameras installed all over its body and has identical arms, so if one fails to be replaced by the other. It will be able to help NASA in missions in environments where an astronaut would not be able to survive, being useful for moving heavy objects and carrying tools, not just being a mere exploration robot.
Watch a video and see him (or her) in action:
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