Samuel OskysThe semi-autonomous humanoid that shares the visual attributes of Iron Man is called Valkyrie and stands at 6.2ft tall and weighs about 135kgs.
It’s goal, to help humans colonize our neighbouring planet Mars. The humanoid has been programmed to use human tools, navigate across the planets rocky terrain with the help of its hydraulic power and also map its own path upon arrival to Mars.
‘Valkyrie’ will be fully equipped for the Mars mission
Valkyrie has an infrared-transparent faceplate which indicates the humanoids status or condition so to say. Inside this faceplate, the LIDAR sensor constantly scans surrounding objects and obstacles it may come across. Valkyrie has a dual brain or dual CPU’s – 2 Intel iCore i7’s – and although it’s been tested with a power cord attached to its shell, it can roam around cord-free for 1 hour.
Valkyrie will be fitted with strong armour to withstand the rough conditions of the Red Planet’s surface but also have dozens of high res cameras all over its exterior shell. The head unit will be equipped with a Multisense SL camera with laser, 3D audio and visual features will be applied also. The torso area will consist of special cameras otherwise called ‘hazard cams’ to spot incoming debris or other dangerous obstacles ahead and behind the humanoid. Valkyrie will be able to maintain dexterity in order to perform different actions with the help of its 38 sensors on each robotic hand.
In the past, NASA has introduced space robots such as Curiosity, Opportunity and Spirit that relied solely on wheels to move around the surface of Mars and although this worked for years, there was the wear and tear issue that slowed missions down. Valkyrie will replicate human abilities like walking and use its arms to pick up objects.
These are some of the features that Valkyrie will be equipped with in order to accomplish its mission to Mars.
This is indeed a breakthrough in robot technology, as this will help with the exploration of the Martian environment and the potential colonization of Mars.
