HOUSTON - NASA's humanoid robot Valkyrie, standing at an impressive 6-feet, 2-inches tall and weighing 300 pounds, is making groundbreaking strides in the field of robotics. Developed to operate in degraded or damaged human-engineered environments, Valkyrie is being tested at the Johnson Space Center in Houston. However, the potential for humanoid robots like Valkyrie extends beyond Earth's surface and could soon include operations in space.

Engineers believe that with the right software, humanoid robots can function similarly to humans and utilize the same tools and equipment. According to Shaun Azimi, NASA Dexterous Robotics Team Leader, future humanoid robots in space could handle risky tasks such as cleaning solar panels or inspecting malfunctioning equipment outside the spacecraft. This would allow astronauts to prioritize exploration and discovery, while the robots undertake the dull, dirty, and dangerous work.

To further advance the capabilities of humanoid robots for space applications, NASA has partnered with Texas-based robotics company Apptronik. Apptronik is developing Apollo, another humanoid robot that will initially be employed in terrestrial settings such as warehouses and manufacturing plants, where it will perform tasks like moving packages and stacking pallets. The company plans to begin supplying humanoid robots to companies in early 2025.

According to Apptronik's Chief Technology Officer Nick Paine, Apollo has distinct advantages over its human counterparts, with enhanced endurance being one of its standout features. The modularity of robots like Apollo allows them to adapt to various applications, leaving room for future improvements through software development.

Jeff Cardenas, CEO of Apptronik, expressed optimism about embracing the possibilities offered by new software and development, stating that there are no limits to Apollo's capabilities. NASA is keen to gather insights from companies like Apptronik to identify key gaps and areas for investment, ensuring that terrestrial systems can be adapted and certified for operation in space.

The collaboration between NASA and Apptronik holds significant promise for the future of robotics in both terrestrial and space environments. As advancements in software and development continue, humanoid robots like Valkyrie and Apollo are paving the way for safer and more efficient operations, whether it be in disaster-struck areas on Earth or in the vast expanse of outer space.