TechTaffy

tech:

taffy

PickNik Robotics secures two NASA contracts for advanced robotic solutions

By TechTaffy Desk

PickNik Robotics has obtained two Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contracts from NASA.

The first contract involves a project called “A Framework for Failure Management and Recovery for Remote Autonomous Task Planning and Execution.” This project revolves around creating a system for fault detection and reporting, which can help remote operators identify and address failures promptly. The system also enables operators to alter task specifications and guide in-field robots to rectify and achieve objectives.

The new software tools and user interfaces being developed by PickNik Robotics are expected to enhance NASA’s robotic projects, including the Artemis program and others such as Dexterous Robotics Lab, Robonaut, SPHERES, Astrobee, and OSAM servicing missions. The system could also be applied in commercial space flight, defense, and other terrestrial industries.

The second SBIR contract is for the project “Task and Motion Planning for Space Operations, with Human-Assisted Recovery.” PickNik Robotics plans to incorporate Task and Motion Planning into its MoveIt Studio product, permitting remote operators to define high-level task specifications while the autonomous system generates and carries out action sequences to meet these specifications. The system will also have a mechanism for autonomous error identification and remote operator intervention.

This solution aims to increase the autonomy of robotic systems in space and reduce the cognitive load on remote operators. The system could be applicable in several areas for NASA, including zero-gravity systems, extraplanetary surface systems, habitats, laboratories, construction sites, among others, says PickNik Robotics.

[Image courtesy: PickNik Robotics]

Just in

Fundings

Augment raises $227M 

Palo Alto, Calif.-based Augment, an AI coding assistance startup, has emerged from stealth with the announcement of a $227 million Series B funding round.
Fundings

Dropzone AI raises $16.85M

Dropzone AI, a company that delivers pre-trained autonomous AI analysts that work alongside human analysts on security operations teams, has raised $16.85 million in a Series A funding round.
IT

Akamai to acquire Noname Security for $450M

Akamai Technologies has entered into an agreement to acquire San Jose, California-based, privately-funded API security company Noname Security, for approximately $450 million.
AI

Ukraine unveils AI-generated foreign ministry spokesperson — The Guardian

Victoria Shi is modelled on Rosalie Nombre, a singer and former contestant on Ukraine’s version of the reality show The Bachelor, according to the report on The Guardian. 
Industry

Synopsys to sell software integrity group to private equity firms for $2.1B

Synopsys has entered into an agreement with Clearlake Capital Group and Francisco Partners for the sale of its Software Integrity Group business in a transaction valued at up to $2.1 billion.