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 Japan, Inc. (Ota-ku, Tokyo, CEO: Mr. Sho Nakanose), developing versatile robots that conduct tasks in space, is pleased to announce the successful launch of the SpaceX cargo Dragon spacecraft carrying the GITAI S1 robot on August 29 at 3:14 AM EDT. The Dragon also successfully docked with the ISS on Monday, August 30 at approximately 10:30 AM EDT, and the GITAI S1 robot safely arrived to the ISS. The technology demonstration of the GITAI S1 robot performing general-purpose tasks on-board the ISS is scheduled for around October this year. (*schedule under coordinations by NASA)
■ISS onboard demonstration to be conducted by GITAI In 2021, space robotics start-up GITAI, in collaboration with Nanoracks, will conduct a technical demonstration of a GITAI robot executing versatile tasks inside the Nanoracks Bishop Airlock installed on Node 3 of the ISS. GITAI is responsible for the development of the S1 space robotic arm, Nanoracks is providing the launch opportunity, on-orbit operations, and data downlink. NASA is in charge of transporting the S1 space robotic arm to the ISS and installing it (by NASA astronauts) inside the Bishop Airlock.
In this technical demonstration, GITAI’s space robot “S1” will be installed inside the ISS Bishop Airlock to conduct two experiments: IVA (Intra-Vehicular Activity) tasks such as switch and cable operations, and assembly of structures and panels to demonstrate its capability for ISA (In-Space Assembly). All operations conducted by the S1 GITAI robotic arm will be autonomous, followed by some teleoperations from Nanoracks’ mission control center in Houston.
※Ground experiment video of the GITAI S1 robot conducting an ISA task (recorded in the GITAI Tokyo office)
Through this technical demonstration, GITAI will acquire the technology, know-how, and experience necessary to develop a robot that can conduct versatile tasks in space. All this will be applied to future development of robots working in the harsh space environment that can carry out docking, repair, and maintenance tasks for On-Orbit Servicing (OOS), and conduct various tasks for lunar exploration and lunar base construction.
■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
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
https://gitai.tech/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Bishop-S1-robot_ver0.2.jpg7161152gitaitechhttps://gitai.tech/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/gitai-logo.svggitaitech2021-08-31 00:24:152024-06-01 20:42:57SpaceX Dragon spacecraft carrying the GITAI robot successfully launches and arrives at the ISS
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>
SpaceX Dragon spacecraft carrying the GITAI robot successfully launches and arrives at the ISS
NEWSGITAI Japan, Inc. (Ota-ku, Tokyo, CEO: Mr. Sho Nakanose), developing versatile robots that conduct tasks in space, is pleased to announce the successful launch of the SpaceX cargo Dragon spacecraft carrying the GITAI S1 robot on August 29 at 3:14 AM EDT.
The Dragon also successfully docked with the ISS on Monday, August 30 at approximately 10:30 AM EDT, and the GITAI S1 robot safely arrived to the ISS.
The technology demonstration of the GITAI S1 robot performing general-purpose tasks on-board the ISS is scheduled for around October this year. (*schedule under coordinations by NASA)
■Launch of SpaceX CRS-23 Rocket
■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
■ISS onboard demonstration to be conducted by GITAI
In 2021, space robotics start-up GITAI, in collaboration with Nanoracks, will conduct a technical demonstration of a GITAI robot executing versatile tasks inside the Nanoracks Bishop Airlock installed on Node 3 of the ISS. GITAI is responsible for the development of the S1 space robotic arm, Nanoracks is providing the launch opportunity, on-orbit operations, and data downlink. NASA is in charge of transporting the S1 space robotic arm to the ISS and installing it (by NASA astronauts) inside the Bishop Airlock.
https://gitai.tech/en/2020/09/10/gitai-nanoracks-en/
In this technical demonstration, GITAI’s space robot “S1” will be installed inside the ISS Bishop Airlock to conduct two experiments: IVA (Intra-Vehicular Activity) tasks such as switch and cable operations, and assembly of structures and panels to demonstrate its capability for ISA (In-Space Assembly). All operations conducted by the S1 GITAI robotic arm will be autonomous, followed by some teleoperations from Nanoracks’ mission control center in Houston.
※Ground experiment video of the GITAI S1 robot conducting an ISA task (recorded in the GITAI Tokyo office)
Through this technical demonstration, GITAI will acquire the technology, know-how, and experience necessary to develop a robot that can conduct versatile tasks in space. All this will be applied to future development of robots working in the harsh space environment that can carry out docking, repair, and maintenance tasks for On-Orbit Servicing (OOS), and conduct various tasks for lunar exploration and lunar base construction.
■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
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〉