Robots: Meet Valkyrie, the human “species” that NASA wants to send to Mars one day – computers

With the right software, you could eventually become a Valkyrie one day Able to use tools and perform tasks like humans, and replace them in hostile environments, such as areas affected by natural disasters or distant planets. At least that's NASA's intention.

It is named after a female character from Norse mythology Humanoid robots They impose figures from above Height is 1 meter and 88 cm, and weight is 140 kilograms It was tested at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, United States.

Model It was initially designed to compete in the DARPA Robotics Challenge, the North American Defense Advanced Agency, in 2013, under the name R5. After the event, it has been improved for improved reliability, durability and performance.

Valkyries are designed to be completely autonomous Ability to use tools and equipment in a manner similar to how humans doTo carry out risky tasks in situations or places considered dangerous.

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In addition to working on the ground, Robots also have the potential to be used in space, that is, performing tasks such as cleaning solar panels or checking faulty equipment outside the spacecraft. This would allow astronauts to focus on exploration and discovery activities.

The goal is not to replace human staff, but to replace them Remove routine tasks or more serious ones So they can focus on activities at another level, NASA explains.

last October, The robot has started a new mission away from your home At the Johnson Space Center in Houston. With cooperation With Woodside Energy, in Perth, AustraliaNASA planned to use Valkyrie to develop remote processing capabilities applicable to unmanned power facilities located on the high seas.

The goal is to test Valkyrie's behavior, both in terms of software and dexterity Accelerating the development of robotics technology, especially with new capabilities that could have applications in the Artemis missions or in future missions to Mars – In addition to other terrestrial goals – helping humanity explore and work safely anywhere.