JPL Robotics Meeting Notes
User:vrtnis' notes from meeting with JPL robotics head of robotics team (EELS and Rover)
Contents
Mars rover autonomy
- combine approximate kinematic settling with a dual-cost path planner.
- develop multi-agent capabilities to significantly enhance performance - safety of autonomous operations on Mars.
- autonomy system to efficiently handle Mars' unpredictable terrain - improving mission success rates.
- incorporate mechanisms for self-diagnosis and repair to ensure long-term functionality with minimal Earth-based support.
Risk-aware planning
- utilize Boole's inequality for risk allocation.
- enhancing decision-making under uncertainty.
- employ predictive analytics to anticipate and mitigate potential risks.
- allowing for dynamic re-planning and risk management.
Advanced sensor integration
- high-resolution cameras and spectrometers
- integrate sensors for comprehensive environmental data.
- using ground-penetrating radar (GPR).
Humanoids
- for space exploration, utilizing human-like structure
- tasks requiring precise human-like movements.
- deploy humanoids for maintenance, repair enhancing astronaut safety.
- use in sample gathering/ environmental monitoring.
- simulate operations in space-like environments.
Energy
- optimize energy consumption.
- utilize a combination of solar panels.
- gather power from the environment, such as thermal gradients and mechanical movements.
- utilize LIDAR
- optimal path planning
- integrate real-time obstacle detection
Project management lessons learned
- manage complex robotics projects like eels and Mars rovers by coordinating multiple teams
- advantage of having all team members colocated in the same building at the project's inception.
- more integrated workflows through initial colocation
- ensure alignment on project goals and timelines.
- early stages of complex projects benefit greatly from in-person collaboration. establish a strong foundation through colocation to enhance subsequent remote coordination efforts