Orbit Robotics Develops 4-Armed Helios Robot for Spacecraft Work as ISS Maintenance Takes 35% of Crew Time
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Jun 5
Orbit Robotics Develops 4-Armed Helios Robot for Spacecraft Work as ISS Maintenance Takes 35% of Crew Time
2 articles · Updated · Fox News · Jun 5
Summary
Orbit Robotics has unveiled Helios, a four-armed robot designed for microgravity, using two arms to anchor itself inside spacecraft while the other two move cargo, tools and equipment.
The design replaces largely useless legs in orbit with a tendon-driven arm system and rolling-contact elbows that cut limb weight and smooth motion near sensitive hardware.
Helios builds on the team’s earlier IKARUS platform, which tested teleoperation, imitation learning and dual-arm manipulation for space-like environments.
Orbit says the robot is meant to free astronauts from routine interior tasks such as cargo unloading, supply handling and maintenance, which can consume about 35% of ISS crew time.
The company sees longer-term uses in satellite servicing and in-space construction as commercial stations expand and orbital logistics demand grows.