Robots- Our Helpers in Space

Robots- Our Helpers in Space

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2004/11/041130081240.htm

In the beginning, it discusses the benefits of robots vs. humans doing space missions. Some of these reasons include that they can do the highly repetitive tasks for much longer with greater accuracy than a normal human could. It also cites, somewhat jokingly, that robots never need to sleep so they can work around the clock. It then explores some of the new innovative designs of land rovers ranging from the classic caterpillar track system to an eight-legged walker inspired by nature. There are some downsides to building machines that are designed to be able to work on earth and then hoping that they will work in other conditions that we just cannot simulate effectively. some of these obstacles are low pressure conditions, radically changing temperature, and the interference and distance that affects the radio signals from earth. They are also looking to build robots to repair the International Space Station because the spacewalks that are needed for regular maintenance are incredibly dangerous.