Akihabara News (Tokyo) — Japan space startup Gitai revealed that its latest prototype, the S1 semi-autonomous space robot, successfully performed all its assigned tasks during a demonstration last month.
The demonstration showcased S1’s automated operations in a Bishop Airlock, a commercially-funded airlock module on board the International Space Station.
The S1 prototype succeeded in tasks including mechanical assembly of structures and panels, as well as remote-control operation of switches and cables for intra-vehicular activity.
It is believed that the success of this demonstration will advance the development of extra-vehicular robotics. These types of robotics are expected to execute docking, repair, and maintenance tasks during servicing in orbit.
The next step for Gitai is to test the robot outside the International Space Station.
Gitai’s long-term target is to utilize robots as tools for constructing space colonies on the Moon’s surface and even on Mars. The company leaders believe that a robotic workforce could become the critical component for further humanity’s expansion into space.
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