"Describes robots that do work in space and robots that explore the solar system"--

A look into the history of space exploration and its possible future, and just where exactly robotics fit into it all. Given the near incomprehensible enormity of the universe, it appears almost inevitable that humankind will one day find a planet that appears to be much like the Earth. This discovery will no doubt reignite the lure of interplanetary travel. Will we be up to the task? And, given our limited resources, biological constraints, and the general hostility of space, what shape should we expect such expeditions to take? In Robots in Space, Roger Launius and Howard McCurdy tackle these questions with rigorous scholarship and disciplined imagination, jumping comfortably among the worlds of rocketry, engineering, public policy, and science fantasy to expound upon the possibilities and improbabilities involved in trekking across the Milky Way and beyond. They survey the literature—fictional as well as academic studies—and outline the progress of space programs in the United States and other nations. They also assess the current state of affairs to offer a conclusion startling only to those who haven’t spent time with Asimov, Heinlein, and Clarke: to traverse the cosmos, humans must embrace and entwine themselves with advanced robotic technologies . . . 2008 Outstanding Academic Title, Choice Magazine Praise for Robots in Space “This short volume manages to capture the history of U.S. space flight, to explain the underpinnings of U.S. space policy and to plot out the possibilities for our future in space in a style that most anyone can enjoy.” —Andrew McMichael, Park City Daily News

Robots don’t need to breathe, eat, or sleep. This makes them perfectly suited for work in the vacuum of space. Rovers on Mars have given humanity a wealth of knowledge about this planet, and machines that repair shuttles and other equipment are invaluable to astronauts. In this exciting STEM exploration, readers learn about space robots. Intriguing sidebars explore the ways science fiction has influenced the creation of real robots, and informative fact boxes and accessible main text discuss robots of the past, present, and future. Full-color photographs and a list of critical-thinking questions keep readers engaged as they learn.

NASA wouldn’t know nearly as much about the planet Mars without space probes. A special kind of robot that can fly through space, space probes have gone to the asteroid belt and even traveled near Jupiter to take pictures of it! Readers learn all about these incredible robots as well as other space technology including robotnauts, or robot astronauts! Examples of the robots used in space are shown in full-color photographs, complete with explanations of their abilities. The main content and sidebars delve into the technological and scientific side of creating robots and how important they’ve become to space exploration.

Based on lecture notes on a space robotics course, this book offers a pedagogical introduction to the mechanics of space robots. After presenting an overview of the environments and conditions space robots have to work in, the author discusses a variety of manipulatory devices robots may use to perform their tasks. This is followed by a discussion of robot mobility in these environments and the various technical approaches. The last two chapters are dedicated to actuators, sensors and power systems used in space robots. This book fills a gap in the space technology literature and will be useful for students and for those who have an interest in the broad and highly interdisciplinary field of space robotics, and in particular in its mechanical aspects.

Space exploration and robotics are both exciting scientific frontiers, and readers discover the many ways they intersect as they explore the history of robots in space. The accessible text presents STEM, science, technology, engineering, and math, concepts in a clear way. Fact boxes are also included to provide additional insight into the role robots have played in the evolution of space exploration. As readers take in the compelling text and vibrant photographs, they will be transported on a journey into space that they won't soon forget.

How much do you REALLY know about the science that matters? Supergeek 2: Robots, Space and Furry Animals features over 300 fun science questions and answers chosen by Glenn Murphy to test your knowledge. Find out all about blood and guts, senses and feelings, robots, furry animals and space. There are instructions at the back of the book that allow you to 'play' the book too, on your own or in a group. Discover more funny science with Robots and the Whole Technology Story.

Robots are predicted to play a role in many aspects of our lives in the future, affecting work, personal relationships, education, business, law, medicine and the arts. As they become increasingly intelligent, autonomous, and communicative, they will be able to function in ever more complex physical and social surroundings, transforming the practices, organizations, and societies in which they are embedded. This book presents the proceedings of the Robophilosophy 2018 conference, held in Vienna, Austria, from 14 to 7 February 2018. The third event in the Robophilosophy Conference Series, the conference was entitled Envisioning Robots in Society – Politics, Power, and Public Space. It focused on the societal, economic, and political issues related to social robotics. The book is divided into two parts and an Epilogue. Part I, entitled Keynotes, contains abstracts of the keynotes and two longer papers. Part II is divided into 7 subject sections containing 37 papers. Subjects covered include robots in public spaces; politics and law; work and business; military robotics; and policy. The book provides an overview of the questions, answers, and approaches that are currently at the heart of both academic and public discussions. The contributions collected here will be of interest to researchers and policy makers alike, as well as other stakeholders.