In January 2020, India's leading space agency, ISRO introduced an AI-enabled half-humanoid Vyommitra (meaning 'space friend' in Hindi). She is the first female robotic astronaut who is all set to fly to space on an unmanned mission in the latter half of the year. If the experiment proves to be successful, she will go on to create history with ISRO's Gaganyaan space mission in 2022. 

At first glance, you might mistake her for a human - she's as life-like as all of us! But there's a reason why she's called a half-humanoid - she has a head, two hands, a torso, but no lower limbs. Moreover, she can bend sidewards and forward but in no other direction. So, can Vyomamitra be India's big AI breakthrough in the new space race?

Why is ISRO developing a humanoid?

India's first manned space flight - Gaganyaan - has plans to send three astronauts to space in 2022 for 5-7 days. Further, the spacecraft will be placed in a low earth orbit of 300-400 km from the earth's surface. The space agency faces a huge challenge to develop a crew module and other systems that can ensure the safety of their astronauts. 

Taking a leaf from other countries, like Russia and the USA, who have earlier sent manned missions, India too wants to be well-prepared, to ensure success. These countries have earlier used animals to conduct tests - ISRO, on the other hand, will use Vyommitra to test the efficacy of the GSLV Mk III rocket. The rocket is under improvisation to ensure that it is safe to transport a human to space. Its first experiment will be in late 2020 when Vyommitra will decide the future course of action. Once flown into space, she will be able to test systems in the crew module meant for the survival and safe travel of the first Indian astronaut in 2022.

It is not the first time that ISRO has used AI and other intelligent technologies for its space projects. Previously, AI was extensively used for the Chandrayaan 2 mission in September 2019 that included an Orbiter, Vikram Lander and Pragyan Rover. The AI-powered Rover could communicate with the Lander using motion technology. Further, the AI algorithm could also help the Rover detect traces of water and other minerals on the lunar surface, thereby helping in sending images for research and testing. 

What tasks will Vyommitra perform in space?

We have all watched sci-fi films that have robots who serve as 'companions' to the astronauts. Believe it or not, this is all set to become a reality. The Vyommitra humanoid might remind you of TARS, an AI and robotics-powered computer system featured in the popular movie 'Interstellar'. Vyommitra might not be as evolved as TARS but she will be able to use safety equipment and switches, as well as act on commands sent by ground stations. That's not all - she will also be able to respond to the environment, generate warnings, replace carbon dioxide canisters, monitor the crew module, receive voice commands, and respond via speech. 

If that list impressed you, there's more - she will also be a 'friend' to the astronaut, helping him/her with the health of the spacecraft during the launch, landing and orbital phases. What's more, she can also recognise other astronauts, chat with them and respond to their queries.

Besides, Vyommitra will also inform on the changes occurring in the crew module during the spaceflight and return. This could include heat radiation levels, to enable ISRO to understand the safety levels required in the crew module that will eventually fly a human being. 

Some other countries have had space missions with humanoid robots like Vyommitra. As recently as March 2019, a space mission with a dummy astronaut called Ripley was flown on the Dragon crew capsule. It was launched on a SpaceX Falcon rocket and sent to the International Space Station. Ripley had sensors all over to measure forces that act during a space flight - this was part of the SpaceX experiments by NASA. 

In conclusion

From daily tasks to space exploration, AI can do it all. There has been a stark rise in the use of AI-enabled robots in the last two decades. The number stands at 2.25 million, according to a report released by Oxford Economics in June 2019. Trends suggest these robots will multiply even faster in the next 20 years, reaching as many as 20 million by 2030. 

India is gradually making its presence felt in the area of AI and robotics development. With ISRO sending Vyommitra, this could be a gamechanger for the country and the world. Even though the half-humanoid can perform selected tasks, it can still analyse reams of data and enhance research operations. 

The stage is set, now all we have to do is wait and watch! 

Photo by GPA Photo Archive via Flickr