Contents

Preface .

Foreword

Machine Intelligence and Robotics. Members of the NASA Study Group.
June 1977-September 1979 ..

III. NASA Needs...

IV. Applications of Machine Intelligence and Robotics in the

Space Program.

A. Introduction

B. Robots and Automation in NASA Planning

C. Future Applications

4-2

Mars surface robot will operate for 2 years and travel about 1000 km
performing experiments automatically and sending the scientific
information back to Earth ...

10

4-3

Artist's concept of a Mars surface scientific processing and sample return
facility...

10

4-4

Seasat

12

02

4-5

Large space systems require robot and automation technology for
fabrication, assembly, and construction in space

14

4-6

Large space antennas are erected with the help of a space-based
construction platform

14

4-7

Construction of a space station

14

4-8 Complex construction facility in space with automatic beam builders, cranes, manipulators, etc., is served by the Shuttle

14

4-9 Space construction of large antenna systems with automated

tools, teleoperated manipulators, and free-flying robots

15

4-10 Automated material processors on the lunar surface are serviced

4-1

Estimates of the technology development efforts to automate system
functions

11 55