NASA Humanoid Robot To Be Sent As Oil Rig Assistant, Saving Humans From Dangerous Work Environment

On July 7, NASA announced its decision to send its humanoid robot Valkyrie thousands of miles away from its home at Johnson Space Center in Houston to Perth, Western Australia.

Developing Remotely Operated Robots

NASA entered into a Space Act Agreement with Woodside Energy where the agency will use the humanoid robot in developing remote mobile dexterous control skills. The agreement is reimbursable which means that NASA's cost will be paid by energy outfit. In return, Woodside Energy will evaluate the resulting software and provide feedback to help in accelerating the maturation of robotic technology.

Under this collaboration, Valkyrie will demonstrate its capabilities for robotic remote operations to adapt distant safekeeping of uncrewed and offshore energy facilities. The new capabilities could also help NASA in its Artemis missions and other Earth-based robotics explorations. NASA plans to improve its experience in operating the humanoid robot in Woodside's facilities in order to gain new insight in designing robots intended for dirty and hazardous jobs. For instance, mobile robots sent on the Moon or Mars can be operated remotely by Earth-based astronomers. Even without the physical presence of the astronauts, they can perform crucial activities such as inspection of infrastructures to take hold of important materials and resources.

Also known as R5, six-foot-tall Valkyrie robot is run by a pair of Intel Core i7 processors. Its 1.8kWh battery allows it to function for almost an hour. Valkyrie's subtle movements are enabled by a set of elastic rotary actuators. The simplified hands are composed of only three fingers while its head is able to carry out three degrees of motion. Its designers also gave it anthropomorphic touches with the hope of making it feel like a coworker than just a piece of metal.

According to NASA Johnson dexterous robotics team leader Shaun Azimi, their advanced robotic systems aim to have a positive impact on Earth by providing safe operations in dangerous environments. He also believes that the capabilities demonstrated by Valkyrie proves the potential of humanoids in extending the reach of humans and helping them safely explore anywhere.

Advanced mobile robots like Valkyrie can serve as an important tool in enabling humans to remotely monitor dangerous tasks and to prevent engagement in repetitive work. Such principles can be applied both in space and on Earth where the value of human-scale robots is highly recognized.

Enhancing Artemis missions with the use of humanoid robots can help humans in building long-term presence in the Moon and on Mars. Domestic and international commercial partnerships allow NASA to develop the next generation of robots with human-scale capabilities.

Capabilities of Humanoid Robots

Humanoid robots serve as professional service robots which are intended to simulate human motion and interaction. Just like other types of service robots, they offer automation of tasks that could lead to cost savings and enhanced productivity. As a new form of professional service robot, humanoid robots are becoming commercially important in various applications.

This type of robot is currently being used to inspect and maintain power plants while preventing human workers form getting exposed to laborious and threatening tasks. They are also prepared to substitute human astronauts in routine jobs in space. In other industry, they can offer different kinds of services such as companionship for the sick and elderly, acting as interactive guide to customers, and even being potential host in growing human organs intended for transplant.