Japan robotics aim for unmanned space exploration

The findings of a study sponsored by the National Science Foundation and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's Automation and Robotics Program, prepared for the US government's program evaluating Japanese technology, are summarized. They reveal that the Japanese government, industry, and university leaders have embarked on cooperative projects to develop next-generation robots for space. The goals are to minimize the enormous expense of manned space operations and to spur technology by developing a range of automated machines. Japanese robots are now employed in construction projects on land and underwater, providing experience that may be applicable in space. An overview is given of notable developments to date.<>