Japanese space robotics startup GITAI, primarily its Inchworm robot technology, has been selected for a lunar infrastructure development study by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), aiming to establish permanent settlements on the Moon.
The agency's project, which is a research and development organization of the United States Department of Defense, is a 10-year Lunar Architecture (LunA-10) capability study. The project is pitched as a "pivotal initiative aimed at developing foundational technology concepts that move toward a series of shareable, scalable systems that interoperate and optimize lunar infrastructure." said a statement.
GITAI is one of the 14 firms selected for the project by DARPA, which was announced on December 5. The firm stands out as one of the foremost space robotics startups globally, with a mission to deliver secure and cost-effective labor solutions in space, ultimately slashing operational expenses by a factor of 100.
Inchworm robots
At the core of GITAI's successful proposal lies a strategy centered on deploying modular, multi-functional Inchworm robots featuring tool-changeable end effectors for lunar surface operations. These robots are crafted to efficiently execute a spectrum of tasks, ranging from construction and maintenance to adaptability, all while minimizing redundant efforts.
This innovative approach ensures versatility and effectiveness in lunar labor endeavors, according to the firm.
The arm on the robot spans a length of two meters and boasts seven degrees of freedom, offering extensive reach and flexibility across various applications. Should an extended reach be required, the option to connect two Inchworm robots arises, forming a lengthier arm that significantly enhances versatility in its applications.
The Inchworm robot operates predominantly through autonomous control, utilizing advanced sensors to efficiently navigate and execute intricate tasks. Nevertheless, the robotic arm incorporates a "human-in-the-loop" system at pivotal checkpoints. This approach enables operators to make informed decisions, ensuring the success and safety of each mission.
The firm believes it is essential to simultaneously navigate and execute intricate tasks efficiently and address infrastructure and labor challenges at the architectural level, guaranteeing synergistic solutions.
Through a commitment to multi-purpose robotics and active collaboration with fellow members of the LunA-10 team, GITAI aims to spearhead a revolutionary approach to lunar development.
"This mission goes well beyond robotics; it's about forging a new era of lunar infrastructure. Our innovative approach, leveraging modular robotics, is a catalyst for reshaping how we envision the Moon," said Sho Nakanose, founder & CEO of GITAI, in a statement.
LunA-10
DARPA has chosen 14 companies to participate in the 10-Year Lunar Architecture (LunA-10) Capability Study. The objective is to stimulate the establishment of a forthcoming civil lunar infrastructure for both peaceful U.S. and international utilization.
LunA-10 is designed to investigate the swift advancement of technological concepts for collaborative and scalable systems. These systems aim to operate in tandem, generating marketable services for prospective lunar users in the future.
The agency has carefully shortlisted firms with a "clear vision and technically rigorous plan for advancing quickly towards our goal: a self-sustaining, monetizable, commercially owned-and-operated lunar infrastructure," said a statement by DARPA.
DARPA selected firms for the LunA-10 project include Blue Origin, CisLunar Industries, Crescent Space Services LLC, Fibertek, Inc., Firefly Aerospace, Helios, Honeybee Robotics, ICON, Nokia of America, Northrop Grumman, Redwire Corporation, Sierra Space, and SpaceX.
Participants in the LunA-10 program will collaborate closely throughout the seven-month study, engaging in a highly interactive environment. During this period, they will conceptualize innovative, integrated system-level solutions encompassing various lunar services.
These services cover areas such as lunar power, mining, commercial in-situ resource utilization, communications, navigation, timing, transit, mobility, logistics, construction, and robotics.
Originally published on Interesting Engineering : Original article