Epson has partnered with space robotics startup GITAI that is developing robots designed for space stations and exploring the surface of the Moon and Mars.
General-purpose robot developed by GITAI
“Epson and its subsidiary Epson X Investment Corporation will subscribe in the third-party allocation of sales for GITAI Inc., a startup company developing general-purpose space robots, and invest in the company through their EP-GB Investment Limited Partnership,” said an Epson press release.
GITAI is a Japanese company that aims to develop general-purpose robots for space stations, the surface of the Moon and Mars, as well as offering Raas (Robots as a Service).
GITAI robots will work inside and outside space stations, focused on docking, repair work, and maintenance work for orbital services (increasing the lifespan of satellites, removing debris), as well as exploration and base development on the moon.
A technical demonstration of the capability of GITAI robots to do general labour is scheduled
to take place on the ISS (the International Space Station) later this year.
“With space development increasing including resource development on the surface of the Moon, additional Mars exploration missions, and the commercialisation of ISS, there will also be increased requirements for labour in space, including the construction of new space stations and bases on the Moon and Mars, as well as the removal of debris,” Epson said.
“Even general labour in space has the potential to be dangerous and expensive due to the costs of training and transportation. In response to this, GITAI aims to lessen the risk and burden on astronauts, and dramatically decrease the overall cost of transportation and training when it comes to space labour through the development of general-purpose robots that can make space development both safe and affordable.”
Epson said it would also “investigate the applicability of a variety of GITAI’s core technologies including robotic solutions, dispatch engineers to GITAI and actively promote open innovation through personnel exchanges.”
Epson X Investment Corporation is a corporate venture capital (CVC) firm owned by Seiko Epson Corporation.
Epson Australia and New Zealand offers an array of image capture and output products for commercial, industrial, consumer, business, photography and graphic arts markets, and is a leading supplier of point-of-sale solutions for retail.
