NASA taps Raven to help in extreme environment missions

Scientists at the University of Washington’s Biorobotics Lab have announced Raven, their newest and most prized creation. Raven may be exactly what NASA needs for its NASA Extreme Environment Missions Operation 12 (NEEMO12) project which aims to broaden our knowledge about telesurgery and space medicine.

The robot is a statement against space exploration robots of the yesteryears all by itself. Where its predecessors were bulky and weighed over half a ton, Raven tips the scales at only 50 pounds. It has two arms which were designed for maximum flexibility and functionality. The arms, which use surgical technology, are capable of lifting objects and performing medical procedures.

Developed by Drs. Mika Sinanan and Andrew Wright of U-dub’s Medical Center, the insectile-looking robot was originally meant for use in the medical field. However, NASA saw the potential of the design for other applications and supported the development of the mechanical marvel.

The high-mobility machine is controlled via the internet using wireless connectivity. Tests have shown that the robot can be manipulated from almost any point on the planet as long as a sustainable signal can be established between Raven and the control station. It will initially be tested in undersea missions to see how it fares in different adverse conditions. If all turns out well, it will undergo space simulations which will test how it will fare in space and alien lands.

Via Medgadget

Scientists at the University of Washington’s Biorobotics Lab have announced Raven, their newest and most prized creation. Raven may be exactly what NASA needs for its NASA Extreme Environment Missions Operation 12 (NEEMO12) project which aims to broaden our knowledge about telesurgery and space medicine.

The robot is a statement against space exploration robots of the yesteryears all by itself. Where its predecessors were bulky and weighed over half a ton, Raven tips the scales at only 50 pounds. It has two arms which were designed for maximum flexibility and functionality. The arms, which use surgical technology, are capable of lifting objects and performing medical procedures.

Developed by Drs. Mika Sinanan and Andrew Wright of U-dub’s Medical Center, the insectile-looking robot was originally meant for use in the medical field. However, NASA saw the potential of the design for other applications and supported the development of the mechanical marvel.

The high-mobility machine is controlled via the internet using wireless connectivity. Tests have shown that the robot can be manipulated from almost any point on the planet as long as a sustainable signal can be established between Raven and the control station. It will initially be tested in undersea missions to see how it fares in different adverse conditions. If all turns out well, it will undergo space simulations which will test how it will fare in space and alien lands.

Via Medgadget