NASA's humanoid robot, Valkyrie, underwent testing in Australia to assess its software, providing valuable data and feedback for the space agency. Developed by the Johnson Space Center (JSC) Engineering Directorate, Valkyrie aims to advance remote mobile dexterous manipulation capabilities for the maintenance of unmanned and offshore energy facilities.

The Valkyrie team at JSC constructed the robot in just 15 months, drawing on knowledge gained from the creation of Robonaut 2 and incorporating enhanced electronics, actuators, and sensing capabilities. The tests conducted in Australia were aimed at improving the robot's abilities for hazardous tasks in space, such as cleaning solar panels and inspecting malfunctioning equipment outside spacecraft.

One of the main objectives of using humanoid robots in space is to allow astronauts to prioritize exploration and discovery while eliminating the need to undertake dull, dirty, and dangerous work. Shaun Azimi, NASA Dexterous Robotics Team Leader, emphasized that the intention is not to replace human crews but rather to provide support in taking on tasks that pose risks to human safety.

NASA has partnered with robotics firms, including Austin-based Apptronik, to explore how insights gained from humanoid robots designed for Earthly applications can enhance the capabilities of future humanoid robots destined for space missions. The collaboration seeks to leverage advancements in terrestrial humanoid robotics to further enhance the capabilities of the next generation of robots for space exploration.

Valkyrie's head, mounted on a 3 DOF neck, incorporates advanced perceptual sensors for better situational awareness. The torso houses a series of elastic rotary and linear actuators, facilitating motion between the torso and pelvis, while also housing computer and power facilities. The lower limbs feature elastic rotary actuators in the upper legs and elastic linear actuators for ankle movement.

NASA hopes that by supporting Valkyrie's progress on Earth, valuable data and insights can be incorporated into the ongoing and future development of robotics and automation for space applications. The agency seeks to optimize the capabilities of humanoid robots to enable humans to supervise dangerous work remotely and focus on higher-level tasks during space missions.

The results of the testing conducted in Australia will contribute to the continuous refinement of Valkyrie and pave the way for a new era of robotic assistance in space exploration. With the advancements made in humanoid robot technology, the future holds great potential for safer and more efficient space missions, enabling astronauts to explore and discover the unknown.