A joint research project between NASA and five universities is currently underway to train a robotic dog named Spirit to navigate challenging terrains, in preparation for future space missions. The robot has been taught to walk on lunar terrain in the rugged Mount Hood region of Oregon, USA as part of the LASSIE project.
The goal of the project is to equip Spirit with the ability to handle various types of surfaces such as hard, rocky, soft, snowy or sandy ground. This will allow it to effectively navigate unpredictable environments. Researchers working on the project have emphasized the importance of the robot dog’s mechanical legs in detecting and responding to changes in terrain, which facilitates its ability to navigate challenging terrains.
The LASSIE project has received a grant of two million dollars to support its objectives. Ultimately, the aim is to contribute to the development of robotic rovers that could be deployed for lunar exploration missions. As space exploration continues to advance, researchers anticipate a future where human and robotic cooperation on the Moon becomes more prevalent. The joint efforts of NASA and the academic institutions involved in the LASSIE project represent a significant step towards integrating robotics into space exploration endeavors.
