GITAI demonstrates lunar base construction

Space robotics startup GITAI USA Inc. conducted a successful demonstration of lunar base construction using two GITAI inchworm-type robotic arms and two GITAI Lunar Robotic Rovers in a simulated lunar environment. The GITAI robots completed all planned tasks successfully and passed various tests corresponding to NASA's Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 4 in a simulated lunar environment in the desert. Watch the tasks being performed here.

Additionally, more than half of the components used in these robots have already passed various environmental tests in simulated space environments.

As the demand for lunar exploration and lunar base construction increases, there is a growing need for safe and affordable labor in space. GITAI has responded to these needs by developing an inchworm-type robotic arm equipped with grapple end-effectors on both ends of the arm. This unique feature enables it to connect to various tools (end-effectors) to perform multiple tasks for various applications and move in any direction. It can also connect/disconnect itself among different vehicles such as rovers, landers, and satellites. GITAI has also developed an advanced lunar robotic rover that can perform general-purpose tasks on the moon such as exploration, mining, inspection, maintenance, and assembly.

GITAI USA Inc.

The ground demonstration test emulates tasks that will be required for future lunar explorations and lunar base constructions using four robots: two inchworm-type robotic arms and two lunar robotic rovers. The following three sets of tests were completed successfully in the simulated lunar environment:

1. Excavation (mining)

• Excavating

2. Lunar base construction

• Installing solar panels
• Placing an antenna module on a high place
• Welding a panel
• Towing an inflatable module

3. Maintenance (self-repairing)

• Changing the rover tire

GITAI, founded in 2016 by Sho Nakanose, is a provider of space robots in Japan. The company opened its full operations in the U.S. in Torrance, California in December 2022, and will initially focus on commercial space station support and expanding the LA office. The company plans to hire 50+ new employees in the U.S. in 2023 to support its expansion.