Competition from the American Agency DARPA called the DARPA Robotics Challenge was held for the first year, and development, presented in the framework of this event, are often used in various fields of science. For example, shown a few years ago the Valkyrie robot for the last time got so many new features that his candidacy is seriously considered as one of the main assistants for the future colonization of Mars.
Valkyrie was developed by specialists of the Space center of NASA Johnson. The growth of the bipedal robot is 190 cm. Valkyrie is equipped with an optical scanner with LIDAR sensors, allowing to “see” the surrounding space, detect obstacles and calculate the best route. In addition to the walk, the robot can perform a number of different manipulations, like moving objects and their connections. The design of the robot has 28 mechanical joints. Full range of motion of the robot will give him the opportunity to engage in the preparation of sites for construction of various sites, buildings, procurement of construction materials. To collect information used 200 sensors installed around the “body” of the robot.
On each robot arm you can install specific tools for specific tasks. The modular structure of the robot makes it easy to disconnect, repair and replacement. To build the robot Valkyrie NASA spent about $ 2 million.
Valkyrie: a bipedal robot for the colonization of Mars
Vladimir Kuznetsov