The competition for lunar resource exploration and lunar base development is accelerating mainly in the U.S. and China, and the demand for robotic labor, which is cheaper and safer than conventional human astronauts, is rapidly increasing. In response to this growing demand, GITAI has developed the advanced lunar robotic rover “R1” that can perform general-purpose tasks on the moon such as exploration, mining, inspection, maintenance, assembly, etc. In December of 2021 at the mock lunar surface environment in JAXA’s Sagamihara Campus, the GITAI lunar robotic rover R1 conducted numerous tasks and mobility operations, successfully completing all planned tests. Here we release a digest video of the demonstration.
■Ground demonstration of the GITAI lunar robotic rover “R1″ at the mock lunar surface environment in JAXA’s Sagamihara Campus During this ground demonstration at JAXA’s mock lunar surface environment, the GITAI lunar robotic rover R1 conducted the following 4 tests and completed them all in success.
1) Drive, Mobility, and Obstacle Clearance Test We have confirmed that the GITAI lunar robotic rover R1 is capable of driving on the mock lunar surface and has the mobility to drive over rocks a few dozen centimeters in size. Owing to the feet (wheels) with individual omni-directional steering, we confirmed that the R1 possesses the ability to move and clear obstacles in any direction.
2) Solar Panel Assembly Test We have conducted a series of activities that are necessary to assemble complex structures (solar panels, communication antennas, etc.) on the moon, which will be critical infrastructure for lunar bases that NASA envisions. Activities such as the GITAI lunar robotic rover R1 removing solar panel parts from a container, moving to a point of interest, conducting a series of tasks to assemble a solar panel on the mock lunar surface, and all activities were completed successfully.
3) Lunar Resource Extraction Test In response to the strong interest that NASA and the US space industry is showing for lunar resource extraction, we have conducted a group of tasks to collect regolith from the lunar surface. Tasks include the GITAI lunar robotic rover R1 removing necessary tools from a container, moving to a point of interest, collecting lunar samples and storing it, returning all equipment into the container and locking it up, and all tasks were completed in success.
4) Slope (Hill) Climbing Test The GITAI lunar robotic rover R1 has proven that it has the driving performance to climb a sandy slope of 15-20 degrees on the mock lunar surface.
GITAI will continue to improve the versatility of its general-purpose robots and compatibility to the lunar surface environment, in order to conduct a technology demonstration on the moon in the mid-2020s.
■GITAI’s Mission
GITAI is a space robotics startup that aims to provide an inexpensive and safe means of working in space. In 2040, GITAI will be an equal partner with the world’s leading space launch companies, providing inexpensive and safe labor to build cities on the Moon and Mars, and space colonies. They provide the transportation; we provide the work. They lower the cost of transportation; we lower the cost of work.
■About GITAI GITAI is developing a general-purpose work robot for space use that can perform the following tasks inexpensively and safely. 1) IVA and EVA (Extra-Vehicular Activity) tasks on space stations 2) Docking, mission extension, repair, and maintenance work for on-orbit servicing (life extension to satellite / space debris removal) 3) Various tasks for lunar exploration and lunar base construction GITAI is planning to perform a technical demonstration inside the ISS (International Space Station) scheduled for 2021 summer.
Company: GITAI Japan, Inc. (Japan HQ) / GITAI USA Inc. (US subsidiary) CEO: Mr. Sho Nakanose URL：https://gitai.tech/en/ Inquiries: info@gitai.tech Official Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/GITAI-1515952648445089/ Official Twitter Account: https://twitter.com/GITAI64818084
GITAI Japan, Inc. (GITAI), developing general-purpose robots for space applications, has tied a joint research contract on June 25, 2021, with Toyota Motor Corporation (Toyota) for joint R&D of a robotic arm for the “LUNAR CRUISER”, the manned pressurized rover mobility platform that Toyota and Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA”) are developing for the surface of the moon. Based on this joint research contract, GITAI has developed a bread board model (BBM) of the robotic arm and are proud to deliver the initial release of the prototype.
In order to realize a robot that can conduct multiple tasks on the surface of the moon such as exploration, inspection, and maintenance, it will need to have the “Capability” to execute various operations, and the “Mobility” to cover the large area where the tasks are dispersed. With this in mind, GITAI is developing a dual grapple end effector* ended robotic arm that possesses the desired “Capability” & “Mobility”, and a grapple fixture* that can be applied to any surface, tool, and end-effector. * grapple end effector / grapple fixture: the interfaces that enables the end of the robotic arm to be interchangeable.
■BBM of GITAI developed robotic arm ※The robotic arm equipped with the GITAI developed grapple end effector
■BBM of GITAI developed grapple end effector and grapple fixture ※grapple end effector ※grapple fixture
■Realizing the “Capability” to conduct various tasks on the moon ※Recognition of the grapple fixture by the robot arm’s hand camera and fitting of the grapple
The GITAI developed grapple end effector has mechanical latches that enables it to mate with the grapple fixture. The grapple fixture can be applied to any surface, tool, and end effector. When the grapple end effector and grapple fixture are mated, a mechanical, power, and communication link is established that enables the end effector tool to be manipulated. With this, a single robotic arm will be able to utilize multiple tools and end effectors which results in realizing the desired “Capability” to conduct various tasks.
■Realizing the “Mobility” to conduct tasks dispersed over a large area ※The robot arm moves by mating with a grapple fixture installed on the floor or wall
GITAI is developing a robotic arm with grapple end effectors on both ends, enabling it to move around the rover equipped with grapple fixtures which the arm can latch on to. If the grapple fixtures are also installed on other structures, the robotic arm will be able to move up & down and back & forth, infinitely increasing its mobility. Furthermore, adding a charging function to the grapple fixture will enable the GITAI robotic arm to recharge as it moves, realizing the “Mobility” it needs to conduct tasks dispersed over a large area.
■Further Development Targeting to launch the manned pressurized rover to the moon in the late 2020s, GITAI and Toyota with further the R&D of the robotic arm for the “LUNAR CRUISER”. Technology developments include autonomous control to conduct multiple and a wide variety of tasks, adapting to the extremely harsh environment of the lunar surface such as small gravitational pull, vacuum, extreme temperature variation, lunar regolith, strong radiation, etc. Additionally, this GITAI-Toyota joint research has the potential to expand out to all the participating members of the Team Japan Study Session, leading to delivery of not only robotic arms on lunar rovers, but general-purpose robotic systems conducting various tasks in future moon bases and the lunar society.
■GITAI’s Mission
GITAI is a space robotics startup that aims to provide an inexpensive and safe means of working in space. In 2040, GITAI will be an equal partner with the world’s leading space launch companies, providing inexpensive and safe labor to build cities on the Moon and Mars, and space colonies. They provide the transportation; we provide the work. They lower the cost of transportation; we lower the cost of work.
■About GITAI GITAI is developing a general-purpose work robot for space use that can perform the following tasks inexpensively and safely. 1) EVA (Extra-Vehicular Activity) tasks on space stations 2) Docking, mission extension, repair, and maintenance work for on-orbit servicing (life extension to satellite / space debris removal) 3) Various tasks for lunar exploration and lunar base construction
GITAI is planning to perform a technical demonstration inside the ISS (International Space Station) scheduled for 2021 summer. Company: GITAI Japan, Inc. (Japan HQ) / GITAI USA Inc. (US subsidiary) CEO: Mr. Sho Nakanose URL：https://gitai.tech/en/ Inquiries: info@gitai.tech Official Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/GITAI-1515952648445089/ Official Twitter Account: https://twitter.com/GITAI64818084
GITAI Japan, Inc. (Ota-ku, Tokyo, CEO: Mr. Sho Nakanose), developing general-purpose robots for space applications, conducted a technology demonstration of a GITAI autonomous space robot executing various tasks inside the ISS (International Space Station) Nanoracks Bishop Airlock between October 13-16, CST. As a result, we are pleased to announce that the GITAI autonomous space robot “S1” has successfully completed all planned activities.
■Footage featuring the S1 GITAI autonomous space robot’s technology demonstration inside the ISS
■Details of the GITAI ISS Technology Demonstration In collaboration with US commercial space company Nanoracks, GITAI has conducted a tech demo of a GITAI autonomous space robot executing various tasks inside the ISS Nanoracks Bishop Airlock between October 13-16, CST.
GITAI is responsible for the development of the S1 autonomous space robot, and Nanoracks provided the launch opportunity, on-orbit operations, and data downlink.
NASA was in charge of launching the GITAI S1 to the ISS and installing it (by NASA astronauts) inside the Nanoracks Bishop Airlock. In this technology demonstration, the GITAI S1 autonomous space robot was installed inside the ISS Nanoracks Bishop Airlock and succeeded in executing two tasks: assembling structures and panels for In-Space Assembly (ISA ), and operating switches & cables for Intra-Vehicular Activity (IVA).
All operations were perfectly executed autonomously by the GITAI S1 space robot.
Additionally, IVA activities such as switch & cable operations were also conducted by remote control or “teleoperations” from the Nanoracks mission control center (“BRIDGE”) in Houston.
GITAI will apply the general-purpose autonomous space robotics technology, know-how, and experience acquired through this tech demo to develop extra-vehicular robotics (EVR) that can execute docking, repair, and maintenance tasks for On-Orbit Servicing (OOS) or conduct various activities for lunar exploration and lunar base construction.
GITAI is a space robotics startup that aims to provide an inexpensive and safe means of working in space. In 2040, GITAI will be an equal partner with the world’s leading space launch companies, providing inexpensive and safe labor to build cities on the Moon and Mars, and space colonies. They provide the transportation; we provide the work. They lower the cost of transportation; we lower the cost of work.
■About GITAI GITAI is developing a general-purpose work robot for space use that can perform the following tasks inexpensively and safely. 1) EVA (Extra-Vehicular Activity) tasks on space stations 2) Docking, mission extension, repair, and maintenance work for on-orbit servicing (life extension to satellite / space debris removal) 3) Various tasks for lunar exploration and lunar base construction GITAI is planning to perform a technical demonstration inside the ISS (International Space Station) scheduled for 2021 summer.
Company: GITAI Japan, Inc. (Japan HQ) / GITAI USA Inc. (US subsidiary) CEO: Mr. Sho Nakanose URL：https://gitai.tech/en/ Inquiries: info@gitai.tech Official Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/GITAI-1515952648445089/ Official Twitter Account: https://twitter.com/GITAI64818084
GITAI develops Lunar Robotic Rover R1 and conducts successful demonstration at JAXA’s Mock Lunar Surface Environment
NEWSThe competition for lunar resource exploration and lunar base development is accelerating mainly in the U.S. and China, and the demand for robotic labor, which is cheaper and safer than conventional human astronauts, is rapidly increasing. In response to this growing demand, GITAI has developed the advanced lunar robotic rover “R1” that can perform general-purpose tasks on the moon such as exploration, mining, inspection, maintenance, assembly, etc. In December of 2021 at the mock lunar surface environment in JAXA’s Sagamihara Campus, the GITAI lunar robotic rover R1 conducted numerous tasks and mobility operations, successfully completing all planned tests. Here we release a digest video of the demonstration.
■Ground demonstration of the GITAI lunar robotic rover “R1″ at the mock lunar surface environment in JAXA’s Sagamihara Campus
During this ground demonstration at JAXA’s mock lunar surface environment, the GITAI lunar robotic rover R1 conducted the following 4 tests and completed them all in success.
1) Drive, Mobility, and Obstacle Clearance Test
We have confirmed that the GITAI lunar robotic rover R1 is capable of driving on the mock lunar surface and has the mobility to drive over rocks a few dozen centimeters in size. Owing to the feet (wheels) with individual omni-directional steering, we confirmed that the R1 possesses the ability to move and clear obstacles in any direction.
2) Solar Panel Assembly Test
We have conducted a series of activities that are necessary to assemble complex structures (solar panels, communication antennas, etc.) on the moon, which will be critical infrastructure for lunar bases that NASA envisions. Activities such as the GITAI lunar robotic rover R1 removing solar panel parts from a container, moving to a point of interest, conducting a series of tasks to assemble a solar panel on the mock lunar surface, and all activities were completed successfully.
3) Lunar Resource Extraction Test
In response to the strong interest that NASA and the US space industry is showing for lunar resource extraction, we have conducted a group of tasks to collect regolith from the lunar surface. Tasks include the GITAI lunar robotic rover R1 removing necessary tools from a container, moving to a point of interest, collecting lunar samples and storing it, returning all equipment into the container and locking it up, and all tasks were completed in success.
4) Slope (Hill) Climbing Test
The GITAI lunar robotic rover R1 has proven that it has the driving performance to climb a sandy slope of 15-20 degrees on the mock lunar surface.
GITAI will continue to improve the versatility of its general-purpose robots and compatibility to the lunar surface environment, in order to conduct a technology demonstration on the moon in the mid-2020s.
■GITAI’s Mission
GITAI is a space robotics startup that aims to provide an inexpensive and safe means of working in space.
In 2040, GITAI will be an equal partner with the world’s leading space launch companies, providing inexpensive and safe labor to build cities on the Moon and Mars, and space colonies.
They provide the transportation; we provide the work.
They lower the cost of transportation; we lower the cost of work.
■About GITAI
GITAI is developing a general-purpose work robot for space use that can perform the following tasks inexpensively and safely.
1) IVA and EVA (Extra-Vehicular Activity) tasks on space stations
2) Docking, mission extension, repair, and maintenance work for on-orbit servicing (life extension to satellite / space debris removal)
3) Various tasks for lunar exploration and lunar base construction
GITAI is planning to perform a technical demonstration inside the ISS (International Space Station) scheduled for 2021 summer.
Company: GITAI Japan, Inc. (Japan HQ) / GITAI USA Inc. (US subsidiary)
CEO: Mr. Sho Nakanose
URL：https://gitai.tech/en/
Inquiries: info@gitai.tech
Official Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/GITAI-1515952648445089/
Official Twitter Account: https://twitter.com/GITAI64818084
<Press Kit>
GITAI Developing Robotic Arm for Toyota’s Manned Pressurized Lunar Rover
NEWSGITAI Japan, Inc. (GITAI), developing general-purpose robots for space applications, has tied a joint research contract on June 25, 2021, with Toyota Motor Corporation (Toyota) for joint R&D of a robotic arm for the “LUNAR CRUISER”, the manned pressurized rover mobility platform that Toyota and Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA”) are developing for the surface of the moon. Based on this joint research contract, GITAI has developed a bread board model (BBM) of the robotic arm and are proud to deliver the initial release of the prototype.
In order to realize a robot that can conduct multiple tasks on the surface of the moon such as exploration, inspection, and maintenance, it will need to have the “Capability” to execute various operations, and the “Mobility” to cover the large area where the tasks are dispersed. With this in mind, GITAI is developing a dual grapple end effector* ended robotic arm that possesses the desired “Capability” & “Mobility”, and a grapple fixture* that can be applied to any surface, tool, and end-effector.
* grapple end effector / grapple fixture: the interfaces that enables the end of the robotic arm to be interchangeable.
■BBM of GITAI developed robotic arm
※The robotic arm equipped with the GITAI developed grapple end effector
■BBM of GITAI developed grapple end effector and grapple fixture
※grapple end effector
※grapple fixture
■Realizing the “Capability” to conduct various tasks on the moon
※Recognition of the grapple fixture by the robot arm’s hand camera and fitting of the grapple
The GITAI developed grapple end effector has mechanical latches that enables it to mate with the grapple fixture. The grapple fixture can be applied to any surface, tool, and end effector. When the grapple end effector and grapple fixture are mated, a mechanical, power, and communication link is established that enables the end effector tool to be manipulated. With this, a single robotic arm will be able to utilize multiple tools and end effectors which results in realizing the desired “Capability” to conduct various tasks.
■Realizing the “Mobility” to conduct tasks dispersed over a large area
※The robot arm moves by mating with a grapple fixture installed on the floor or wall
GITAI is developing a robotic arm with grapple end effectors on both ends, enabling it to move around the rover equipped with grapple fixtures which the arm can latch on to. If the grapple fixtures are also installed on other structures, the robotic arm will be able to move up & down and back & forth, infinitely increasing its mobility. Furthermore, adding a charging function to the grapple fixture will enable the GITAI robotic arm to recharge as it moves, realizing the “Mobility” it needs to conduct tasks dispersed over a large area.
■Further Development
Targeting to launch the manned pressurized rover to the moon in the late 2020s, GITAI and Toyota with further the R&D of the robotic arm for the “LUNAR CRUISER”. Technology developments include autonomous control to conduct multiple and a wide variety of tasks, adapting to the extremely harsh environment of the lunar surface such as small gravitational pull, vacuum, extreme temperature variation, lunar regolith, strong radiation, etc. Additionally, this GITAI-Toyota joint research has the potential to expand out to all the participating members of the Team Japan Study Session, leading to delivery of not only robotic arms on lunar rovers, but general-purpose robotic systems conducting various tasks in future moon bases and the lunar society.
■GITAI’s Mission
GITAI is a space robotics startup that aims to provide an inexpensive and safe means of working in space.
In 2040, GITAI will be an equal partner with the world’s leading space launch companies, providing inexpensive and safe labor to build cities on the Moon and Mars, and space colonies.
They provide the transportation; we provide the work.
They lower the cost of transportation; we lower the cost of work.
■About GITAI
GITAI is developing a general-purpose work robot for space use that can perform the following tasks inexpensively and safely.
1) EVA (Extra-Vehicular Activity) tasks on space stations
2) Docking, mission extension, repair, and maintenance work for on-orbit servicing (life extension to satellite / space debris removal)
3) Various tasks for lunar exploration and lunar base construction
GITAI is planning to perform a technical demonstration inside the ISS (International Space Station) scheduled for 2021 summer.
Company: GITAI Japan, Inc. (Japan HQ) / GITAI USA Inc. (US subsidiary)
CEO: Mr. Sho Nakanose
URL：https://gitai.tech/en/
Inquiries: info@gitai.tech
Official Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/GITAI-1515952648445089/
Official Twitter Account: https://twitter.com/GITAI64818084
<Press Kit>
Space robotics start-up GITAI completes successful technology demonstration inside the ISS
NEWSGITAI Japan, Inc. (Ota-ku, Tokyo, CEO: Mr. Sho Nakanose), developing general-purpose robots for space applications, conducted a technology demonstration of a GITAI autonomous space robot executing various tasks inside the ISS (International Space Station) Nanoracks Bishop Airlock between October 13-16, CST.
As a result, we are pleased to announce that the GITAI autonomous space robot “S1” has successfully completed all planned activities.
■Footage featuring the S1 GITAI autonomous space robot’s technology demonstration inside the ISS
■Details of the GITAI ISS Technology Demonstration
In collaboration with US commercial space company Nanoracks, GITAI has conducted a tech demo of a GITAI autonomous space robot executing various tasks inside the ISS Nanoracks Bishop Airlock between October 13-16, CST.
GITAI is responsible for the development of the S1 autonomous space robot, and Nanoracks provided the launch opportunity, on-orbit operations, and data downlink.
NASA was in charge of launching the GITAI S1 to the ISS and installing it (by NASA astronauts) inside the Nanoracks Bishop Airlock. In this technology demonstration, the GITAI S1 autonomous space robot was installed inside the ISS Nanoracks Bishop Airlock and succeeded in executing two tasks: assembling structures and panels for In-Space Assembly (ISA ), and operating switches & cables for Intra-Vehicular Activity (IVA).
All operations were perfectly executed autonomously by the GITAI S1 space robot.
Additionally, IVA activities such as switch & cable operations were also conducted by remote control or “teleoperations” from the Nanoracks mission control center (“BRIDGE”) in Houston.
GITAI will apply the general-purpose autonomous space robotics technology, know-how, and experience acquired through this tech demo to develop extra-vehicular robotics (EVR) that can execute docking, repair, and maintenance tasks for On-Orbit Servicing (OOS) or conduct various activities for lunar exploration and lunar base construction.
■Summary of the GITAI technical demonstration on NASA’s official website
23rd SpaceX Commercial Resupply Mission Launches Bone, Plant, and Materials Studies to International Space Station
■GITAI’s Mission
GITAI is a space robotics startup that aims to provide an inexpensive and safe means of working in space.
In 2040, GITAI will be an equal partner with the world’s leading space launch companies, providing inexpensive and safe labor to build cities on the Moon and Mars, and space colonies.
They provide the transportation; we provide the work.
They lower the cost of transportation; we lower the cost of work.
■About GITAI
GITAI is developing a general-purpose work robot for space use that can perform the following tasks inexpensively and safely.
1) EVA (Extra-Vehicular Activity) tasks on space stations
2) Docking, mission extension, repair, and maintenance work for on-orbit servicing (life extension to satellite / space debris removal)
3) Various tasks for lunar exploration and lunar base construction
GITAI is planning to perform a technical demonstration inside the ISS (International Space Station) scheduled for 2021 summer.
Company: GITAI Japan, Inc. (Japan HQ) / GITAI USA Inc. (US subsidiary)
CEO: Mr. Sho Nakanose
URL：https://gitai.tech/en/
Inquiries: info@gitai.tech
Official Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/GITAI-1515952648445089/
Official Twitter Account: https://twitter.com/GITAI64818084
<Press Kit>