In context
In September 2023, NASA was intensifying its reliance on autonomous robotic systems for space missions, including the Artemis program and satellite servicing. The need for robust remote operation and failure recovery was growing as missions became more complex and distant.
What was reported
PickNik Robotics announced it had secured two Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contracts with NASA. The first project, “A Framework for Failure Management and Recovery for Remote Autonomous Task Planning and Execution,” aims to develop a fault detection and reporting system that lets remote operators diagnose and resolve failures in real time, adjusting task specifications to guide robots to recovery.
The second project, “Task and Motion Planning for Space Operations, with Human-Assisted Recovery,” focuses on integrating task and motion planning into PickNik’s MoveIt Studio product. This would allow operators to give high-level task specifications while the system autonomously generates and executes action sequences, with mechanisms for autonomous failure identification and operator intervention.
Potential NASA applications include zero-gravity systems, planetary surface systems, habitats, and construction sites. Beyond NASA, the technology could apply to logistics, manufacturing, home service, hospitality, public safety, and asset inspection.
“We are pushing the boundaries of autonomous robotic systems in order to revolutionize space operations. We believe this will also open new horizons for commercial applications.” — Dr. Dave Coleman, CEO, PickNik Robotics
Why it mattered
These contracts underscored a shift toward human-machine teaming where operators supervise rather than directly control robots, a model with direct relevance to industrial automation. The development of fault recovery and high-level task planning could accelerate adoption of autonomous systems in manufacturing and other terrestrial sectors.
Source: Robotics & Automation News (roboticsandautomationnews.com) · Published 2023-09-05 · “PickNik Robotics secures two new NASA contracts”