Airbus, the global leader in aviation, is currently collaborating with IBM on an innovative 3D printing robot project called "Simon." Designed to support space crews, Simon aims to eventually join the ranks of legendary space robots like Wali and Hal. This cutting-edge system is set to revolutionize how astronauts perform their tasks aboard the International Space Station (ISS).
Simon is more than just a robot—it's an AI-powered astronaut assistant developed for the German Aerospace Center (DLR). With a white, drum-like design that may seem a bit quirky, Simon was intentionally built to have a calming effect on its human counterparts. It can move freely in microgravity, communicate with crew members, and help with daily operations.
Manfred Jaumann, head of the Airbus Microgravity Load Center, described Simon as "the first AI-based mission and flight assistance system." He emphasized that Airbus was the first European company to send AI into space, comparing it to "sending a brain to the ISS to develop aerospace artificial intelligence."
Weighing just 5kg, Simon is fully 3D-printed using a combination of metal and plastic components. Its core intelligence comes from IBM’s Watson AI technology, which enables it to run programs, use neural networks, and learn independently. Simon can even detect potential issues before they become critical, acting as an early warning system for technical problems.
Beyond its technical capabilities, Simon is designed to be a reliable companion. Similar to the Int-Ball drone used on the Japanese space station, it acts as a helpful assistant, making even routine tasks easier for astronauts.
The idea for AI-assisted systems originated from Airbus, but DLR joined the project in 2016, forming a 50-person research team with experts from IBM, DLR, Airbus, and Munich University (LMU). Together, they brought Simon to life, teaching it to move, recognize directions, interact with humans, and accumulate knowledge over time.
Simon also learned to interpret images and was equipped with detailed procedures from the ISS Columbus Lab module. To make communication more natural, its voice was based on German astronaut Alexander Gerst. Gerst personally chose Simon’s “pie face†design and will test the robot during the ESA Horizon mission this summer.
With its unique blend of AI, 3D printing, and space expertise, Simon represents a major step forward in robotic assistance for future space exploration.
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