An adorable little robotic camera drone with wide illuminated eyes and a perpetually surprised expression has joined the crew of the International Space Station. <\/p>\n
Known as Int-Ball, the bot can be controlled remotely by researchers on the ground, allowing them to capture images and video from aboard the artificial satellite. <\/p>\n
Int-Ball contains actuators, rotational and acceleration sensors and electromagnetic brakes, which allow it to move around autonomously in zero gravity. <\/p>\n
Developed by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), it was delivered to the ISS on 4 June 2017, and has already started feeding photos and video back to Earth. <\/p>\n
JAXA claims that Int-Ball could eventually replace the need for astronauts to capture photos and record video aboard the ISS - tasks that currently take up about 10% of their time. <\/p>\n
It could also enable more cooperative work between astronauts and researchers, as those on the ground would be able to see things from the same perspective as the crew. <\/p>\n
During its time on the ISS, JAXA will be take part in experiments both inside and outside the space station, in order to test and improve its performance. <\/p>\n
JAXA hopes that it will also help to promote the use of robotics technology in future space exploration missions. <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Read the original post: <\/p>\n
Cute zero-gravity robot is newest member of the International Space Station crew - Mirror.co.uk<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" An adorable little robotic camera drone with wide illuminated eyes and a perpetually surprised expression has joined the crew of the International Space Station. Known as Int-Ball, the bot can be controlled remotely by researchers on the ground, allowing them to capture images and video from aboard the artificial satellite Continue reading