Airbus, a leading name in the global aviation industry, is currently collaborating with IBM on an innovative 3D printing robot project. The robot, named Simon, is designed to support astronauts in space and eventually join the ranks of legendary space robots like Wali and Hal.
Simon is an AI-powered astronaut assistance system that will be deployed at the German Aerospace Center (DLR) Space Administration. It has a unique, white drum-like appearance, which some might find a bit amusing, but the design was intentionally created to have a calming effect. Simon is capable of moving freely in microgravity environments, communicating with the crew, and assisting them with daily tasks.
Manfred Jaumann, head of the Airbus Microgravity Load Center, stated: "In simple terms, Simon is the first AI-based mission and flight assistance system. As a European company, we were the pioneers in this field, effectively sending 'brains' into space aboard the International Space Station to develop aerospace-related artificial intelligence."
Weighing just 5kg, Simon is made entirely of 3D-printed metal and plastic components, showcasing the potential of additive manufacturing in space technology. IBM's Watson AI technology serves as Simon’s brain, enabling him to run programs, use AI networks, learn from problems, and even provide security. Simon can detect early signs of technical issues and act as a preliminary warning system.
Beyond its technical capabilities, Simon acts as a second brain for astronauts, helping with everyday tasks. For instance, Japan’s Int-Ball drone functions more like a close assistant than a mere machine.
The concept of AI-assisted systems was initially developed by Airbus independently. In 2016, DLR joined the project, forming a 50-member research team comprising experts from IBM, DLR, Airbus, and Ludwig Maximilian University (LMU). This collaboration brought Simon to life, teaching it how to move, recognize directions, interact with humans, and accumulate knowledge over time.
Simon also learned to interpret visual data, and the procedures and plans from the ISS Columbus Lab module were added to its database. Its voice was modeled after German astronaut Alexander Gerst, who also helped choose Simon’s friendly face. Gerst will test Simon’s performance during the ESA Horizon mission this summer, evaluating how well the robot functions in real space conditions.
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