Automation and robotics
Automation and robotics have become the basis for high productivity and competitiveness in the industrial manufacturing sector. In space exploration, automated machines and robots will be used to support, relieve and take the place of astronauts in risky, strenuous or routine tasks. They are also intended to reduce costs and increase reliability.
Robotic systems in space flight will be used for the operation of infrastructures and spacecraft in orbit, for preparing and operating experiments both inside and outside space stations, for inspection, maintenance and repair work on space infrastructures, and for the exploration and reconnaissance of planets and other celestial bodies.
The ‘Automation Technologies and Robotics in Space’ technology corridor was restructured in 2018. Its new roadmap describes its future programmatic and strategic direction. The roadmap focuses on two funding priorities: Providing Services – active service robotics – and Receiving Services – the provision of assemblies to build space systems that can be robotically serviced.
