NASA Lets You Simulate Your Own ROS Robonaut

 Robonaut 2

NASA is giving you the chance to have your own Robonaut 2 simulator to experiment with. NASA recently released the Robonaut 2 Simulator stack through ROS (Robot Operating System) and is inviting those with the know-how to download the stack and see what they can get the virtual Robonaut 2 to do.

NASA's Robonaut 2, which was launched up to the International Space Station back in February is hard at work helping his human companions.  Now a recent release of Robonaut 2 Simulator stack gives everyone interested insight into the mechanics of the first humanoid robot in space. The Simulator stack is open for all enthusiasts with a know-how, giving them a chance to try their hand at programming the virtual Robonaut 2.

The ROS Simulator stack constitutes of different Gazebo files which allow users to view the Robonaut 2 in three different surroundings: in an empty room, in the International Space Station, and in an empty room with a virtual version of the ISS task board with switches the Robonaut 2 can operate.


A short tutorial of the Robonaut 2 Simulator stack has also been made available at ROS.org with a handy guide on installation, basic controls and interactive markers, leaving the rest for the user to explore. The Simulator is still in beta and therefore might be a bit buggy when compared to the real Robonaut 2.

NASA has no plans to bring the real Robonaut 2 back to Earth, instead leaving it at the ISS to not only help astronauts with their daily duties, but to also give NASA scientists an idea of how robots would fare during deep space missions. For those interested, the robot simulator can help provide insight how we may explore space with robots in the future.




SOURCE  Robonaut Facebook Page

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