NASA sends its humanoid robot “Valkyried” (also known as Valkyrie) on tests to demonstrate its ability to remotely maintain autonomous and marine power plants. These tests will be carried out by Woodside Energy in Australia, with the energy company covering NASA’s expenses. NASA, in turn, will work on developing remote mobile management capabilities for the maintenance of unmanned installations.
In this collaboration, Woodside Energy will test the robot software and provide NASA with valuable data that can expedite the development of robotics for remote work on Mars or the Moon, without the presence of astronauts.
Valkyrie’s tasks encompass inspecting and maintaining infrastructure, as well as tending to plants grown in open space. NASA aims to leverage Valkyrie’s ability to handle monotonous work, thereby freeing up human time for more challenging tasks.
Utilizing Valkyrie’s experience at Woodside facilities, NASA plans to study the ideal designs for robots working in dirty and hazardous conditions, similar to the environments found on the Moon during long-term missions and future “Artemis” projects involving workplaces and residential premises.
Valkyrie, also known as R5, stands at approximately 183 cm and has undergone 10 years of development. The humanoid robot operates on two Intel Core i7 processors and a 1.8 kWh battery. It can function independently for around an hour.
Its primary sensor is the modified Multisense SL model from Carnegie Robotics, which integrates laser, 3D-stereo, and video capabilities, allowing for point cloud generation based on IR structural lighting. The humanoid’s torso and head are equipped with chambers for detecting potential hazards.
The Valkyrie features many elastic rotational drives to ensure smooth movements. Its hands have a simplified design with three fingers and a thumb, while its head boasts three degrees of freedom. The robot’s designers have also incorporated anthropomorphic features, intending to make the robot appear more human-like during long, solitary missions.