Speaker
Description
In Space Robotics Lab (SRL) at Tohoku University, Japan, we are developing heterogeneous multi-robot systems for lunar/planetary exploration. So far, robotic exploration missions on the surface of the Moon and remote planets have been conducted by a single capable mobile robot. But if deploying multiple robots, we expect advanced performance in terms of increased coverage areas, accuracy of mapping, adaptability to challenging terrains and robustness to contingent situations, even though the capability of each robot is limited.
In this presentation, an ongoing advanced research project under the support of the Japanese “Moonshot R&D Program” for collaborative heterogeneous multi-robot systems for resource exploration and human outpost construction is introduced. Here, the modular robotic design is one of the key points in the development. In space missions where the delivery of new hardware parts and components is not easy, the capability to change the mechanical configuration of the robots by rearranging the modular components offers the self-update of the functionality of the existing robots onsite. The challenge includes the successful application of state-of-the-art AI technologies for the evolvement of the controllers coping with the reconfiguration of the robot system for up-to-date task requirements in different environments.
The project will bring robust and sustainable robotics-based solutions to exploring the Moon and beyond.
