Grants and Contributions:

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Title:

Autonomy-Enabling Technology for future Space Robotics

Agreement Number:

20STDPK22

Agreement Value:

$639,112.50

Agreement Date:

Jun 30, 2020 - Mar 30, 2022

Description:

(20STDPK22) The ability for robots to autonomously make their decisions with minimal supervisions by human users and, in some cases, no supervision at all, is critical to the success of future deep space exploration robotics, and to the Deep Space Gataway mission in particular. Indeed, it will not be possible to operate future deep space exploration robots from Earth due to the distance. On the other hand, the presence of onboard crewmembers will be limited, requiring the robots to be autonomous for maintenance of the space station without presence of humans. Menya Solutions is developing an AI technology, called HybridLogic, which will enable space robots to plan and execute autonomously goal-driven complex sequences of actions, while handling new situations and new mission objectives. Robots using HybridLogic algorithms will be able to explain the rationale behind their decisions and behaviours, and interact with space crewmembers safely and naturally. HybridLogic is currently at the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 4. It was validated in a low-fidelity simulated space environment and controlled real-world robotics environment on Earth. The objective of this project is to further develop HypridLogic for space robotics operations and bring its maturity to TRL 5, including validation in higher-fidelity space simulations and a terrestrial robot manipulator that emulates the Canadarm on the ISS, as an intermediate step towards the next generation of robot arm for deep space exploration. This is an important step along the path to commercializing the technology for space applications. While the research and development activities of this project are focused on space robot arms, the results will also be leveraged for terrestrial applications.

Organization:

Canadian Space Agency

Expected Results:

The Research component of the program provides financial support to organizations to conduct space related research and development in priority areas. It will support targeted knowledge development and innovation to sustain and enhance the Canadian capacity to use space to address national needs and priorities in the future.

Location:

Sherbrooke, Quebec, CA J1L 1C9

Reference Number:

003-2020-2021-Q1-04488

Agreement Type:

Contribution

Report Type:

Grants and Contributions

Recipient Type:

For-profit organization

Additional Information:

The amount allocated covers more than one fiscal year.

Recipient's Legal Name:

Menya Solution Inc.

Program:

Class Grant and Contribution Program to Support Research, Awareness and Learning in Space Science and Technology

Program Purpose:

This program supports knowledge development and innovation in the CSA's priority areas while increasing the awareness and participation of Canadians in space-related disciplines and activities.

The Research Component aims to support the development of science and technology; foster the continual development of a critical mass of researchers and highly qualified people in Canada; and support information gathering and space-related studies and research pertaining to Canadian Space Agency priorities.