Four-Armed Robot: Could It Take On Astronaut Roles in Space?

The robot 'Helios', equipped with four arms, is poised to take on some astronaut roles, prompting questions about the future of space exploration. Orbit Robotics, an academic spin-off company from Switzerland, has developed this robot designed for stable operation in zero-gravity environments, such as inside a spacecraft. Helios is engineered to stabilize itself on the spacecraft's surface with two arms, while simultaneously handling tools, cargo, and equipment with the other two. This capability is expected to reduce the workload for astronauts. The robot offers a solution to the challenges of movement and stability in the unique physical laws of space, particularly in microgravity, and could usher in changes to how humans operate in space in the future.

According to Orbit Robotics, the four-armed robot 'Helios' utilizes a tendon-driven system. Instead of placing motors in each joint, motors are positioned closer to the shoulder and power is transmitted through cables and pulleys to the entire arm. This design reduces the weight at the end of the arms. By adopting rolling contact elbow joints, it achieves stability through smooth movements.

Before developing Helios, the research team created an earlier robotic platform named 'IKARUS' to test various ideas. Through IKARUS, the team learned how robots move, replicate tasks, and handle objects in space-like environments. This experience significantly influenced the design of Helios, which, based on these prior research achievements, features a body more suited for the space environment.