Page 123 - International Space Station Benefits for Humanity, 3rd edition.

Robotics

The ability of robots to work alongside the human crew to perform necessary tasks more efficiently is
key to enhancing human spaceflight missions. These tasks include those that are monotonous or risky
and impose on the available time astronauts have to focus on science experiments. The International
Space Station (ISS) provides an excellent platform where these operational concepts and procedures
can be developed, tested and evolved in an actual space environment while demonstrating robotic
systems’ performance and reliability over the long duration. The precision and reliability requirements
for space robotics led to dual-purpose technologies and advanced robotic capabilities for use on Earth.

Robonaut’s Potential Shines in onboard the space station, many of the technologies
Multiple Space, Medical and developed for Robonaut are being adapted for use
Industrial Applications on Earth. Here are three examples:
When scientists and engineers began developing a
humanoid robot for space exploration, they set out RoboGlove Technology
to create robotic capabilities for space exploration; A robotic glove, called RoboGlove, was developed
however, they did not limit their design for use in as a grasp assist device after NASA and GM
microgravity. They decided to also lend a robotic recognized overlap between what astronauts needed
hand, along with many other appendages and in space and what factory workers could use on the
abilities, to those in need on Earth. ground. RoboGlove can augment human tendons
The first Robonaut was a collaborative effort between to help both astronauts and factory workers with
NASA and the Defense Advanced Research Projects grasping tasks and potentially minimize the risk
Agency. It was built for space exploration missions of repetitive stress injuries.
such as performing skilled hand movements during Since astronauts wear pressurized spacesuit gloves
extravehicular activity (EVA)—or spacewalks. during a spacewalk, they exert more force to hold
However, NASA gained significant expertise in a tool or tighten a screw, which causes fatigue.
expanding robotic technologies for space and RoboGlove could help astronauts close their gloves,
Earth applications through successful creation thereby reducing the amount of effort they apply while
of partnerships with outside organizations. conducting EVA tasks, in much the way power steering
The latest iteration of Robonaut—Robonaut 2 (R2)— helps to steer a car.
was co-developed with General Motors (GM) through At GM, factory workers on assembly lines perform
a Space Act Agreement. R2 is a more dexterous robot, tasks that involve gripping tools repeatedly
built for the microgravity environment to utilize human- throughout their work day. They tire more quickly
rated tools, assist with ISS activities and safely work due to either exerting a high amount of force at
side-by-side with astronauts. Although R2 resides multiple intervals or exerting force for long periods of
time. RoboGlove may help factory workers grip a tool
longer with less discomfort by reducing the amount
of force needed. This could result in less fatigue and
NASA continues to look for new fewer stress injuries.

collaborative opportunities to NASA and GM have licensed the patented RoboGlove
technology to BioServo (http://www.bioservo.com/)
leverage resources that will help to produce a commercial version. GM plans to use
all partners increase their chances the glove technology in future advanced vehicle safety
of making better products... systems and manufacturing plant applications. NASA
is experimenting with the technology in its Earth
laboratory and integrating it into a working spacesuit
glove for possible future use by crew members.

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