NASA Robot Goes Wi-Fi

September 12, 2013

Just think if Hal had been able to move around the space station in 2001: A Space Odyssey. Obviously not movie buffs, NASA engineers are prepared to use Wi-Fi to allow their robotic astronaut or “robonaut” to move freely throughout the International Space Station (ISS).

The robonaut, which is currently bolted to a pedestal and connected with wires for power and control, will get a complete makeover including legs and batteries. Control and monitoring will be provided to NASA via Wi-Fi using Digi International’s ConnectCore Wi-i.MX53 wireless module.

The robonaut will be “free” to perform routine maintenance tasks, such as housekeeping and air quality testing in space. This will free up time for astronauts to conduct science experiments and other tasks.

The robonaut may be controlled from within the ISS or at a NASA mission control center on Earth. The wireless link will also transmit video from cameras on the Robonaut, allowing astronauts and NASA to see what the robot is seeing in real-time and control its actions. Eventually, the robonaut will be able to perform tasks outside the space station.