Earlier we saw a tear down of the Google Project Tango, and now Google has released a video of Project Tango and the NASA SPHERES in action. Have a look at the video below.
Since the summer of 2013, the Project Tango team has been working closely with a team at the NASA Ames Research Center. The goal: to integrate a Project Tango prototype onto a robotic platform, called SPHERES, that flies inside the International Space Station. The SPHERES program aims to develop zero-gravity autonomous platforms that could act as robotic assistants for astronauts or perform maintenance activities independently on station. The 3D-tracking and mapping capabilities of Project Tango would allow SPHERES to reconstruct a 3D-map of the space station and, for the first time in history, enable autonomous navigation of a floating robotic platform 230 miles above the surface of the earth.
Project Tango’s Advanced Capabilities
Project Tango is a revolutionary technology developed by Google that aims to bring spatial awareness to mobile devices. By using advanced sensors and computer vision software, Project Tango devices can create detailed 3D maps of their surroundings in real-time. This capability is not only groundbreaking for consumer applications like augmented reality (AR) and indoor navigation but also holds significant potential for scientific and industrial uses.
The collaboration with NASA’s SPHERES program is a prime example of how Project Tango’s technology can be applied in space. SPHERES, which stands for Synchronized Position Hold, Engage, Reorient, Experimental Satellites, are volleyball-sized spherical robots used inside the International Space Station (ISS). These robots are designed to test various technologies in microgravity, including autonomous navigation and docking.
Implications for Space Exploration
The integration of Project Tango with SPHERES could have far-reaching implications for space exploration. One of the most immediate benefits is the ability to create accurate 3D maps of the ISS. These maps can be used for various purposes, such as planning maintenance activities, monitoring the station’s condition, and even training astronauts. The autonomous navigation capabilities enabled by Project Tango mean that SPHERES can move around the ISS without human intervention, freeing up astronauts to focus on more critical tasks.
Moreover, the success of this collaboration could pave the way for more advanced robotic systems in future space missions. For instance, similar technology could be used in Mars rovers or lunar landers to navigate and map uncharted territories. The ability to autonomously explore and map new environments is crucial for the success of long-term space missions, where human intervention may be limited or impossible.
The Google Project Tango and NASA SPHERES will be launched into orbit this summer, marking a significant milestone in the collaboration between Google and NASA. This project not only showcases the versatility and potential of Project Tango’s technology but also highlights the innovative ways in which space agencies are leveraging commercial technologies to advance space exploration.
You can find out more details over at Google below.
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