Vyommitra, the female robot astronaut, will undergo a test flight next year prior to ISRO's Gaganyaan manned mission, revealed Union Minister for Science and Technology Dr Jitendra Singh.
The robot was designed by ISRO's Inertial Systems Unit (IISU) located in Vattiyoorkavu, Kerala. This semi-humanoid is set to play a pivotal role in evaluating and validating systems crucial to human spaceflight, ranging from control systems to life support and parachute systems.
The Gaganyaan project, led by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), stands as an ambitious endeavor showcasing India's capability in human spaceflight. Following the success of the TV-D1 mission on October 21, ISRO is gearing up for additional test missions, marking a significant stride in India's space exploration journey.
The upcoming missions, including TV-D2, the G-X unmanned orbital demonstration flight, an Integrated Air-Drop Test (IADT), and a Pad Abort Test, highlight ISRO's commitment to rigorously testing and validating crucial systems. The G-X mission, utilizing a human-rated LVM3, is poised to feature a crew module alongside a service module, paving the way for India's foray into manned space missions.
The name Vyommitra, derived from Sanskrit words meaning "space" and "friend," encapsulates the essence of this semi-humanoid created by IISU. Specialising in inertial sensors and satellite technology, the IISU has successfully developed Vyommitra to contribute significantly to the Gaganyaan project.
“Vyommitra's equipment includes a robotic torso, head, and two arms, presenting a human-like appearance. While lacking functional legs, Vyommitra can float in microgravity, interact with astronauts, and engage with the Gaganyaan spacecraft. Her tasks span conducting experiments in microgravity, monitoring module parameters, and providing crucial support to crewed missions. The robotic torso, with its flexible spine and moveable limbs, mirrors the structure and functions of a human torso or half-humanoid. This design holds significance for research in robotics, biomechanics, human-robot interaction, medical training, and the development of prosthetics and exoskeletons. IISU's incorporation of a computer "brain" into Vyommitra enables it to interpret control panels on unmanned test flights and communicate effectively with ISRO ground stations,” explained space expert Girish Linganna.
Vyommitra is programmed to communicate in Hindi and English, and can imitate human actions, recognize individuals, and respond to inquiries. In essence, Vyommitra is poised to perform functions related to environmental control and life support systems, handling switch panel operations and alerting for changes in environmental air pressure.
“Several countries have sent humanoid robots to low earth orbit (LEO), including the USA, Russia, and Japan. NASA's robots such as Robonaut 2, Valkyrie, and SPHERES, aid astronauts in tasks like maintenance, exploration, and emergency response. Russia's FEDOR, launched in 2019, is capable of complex operations, including driving a car and using tools. Japan's Kirobo, sent to the ISS in 2013, communicates with humans, recognizes faces, and expresses emotions,” added Linganna.
Experts point out that Vyommitra is a culmination of cutting-edge robotics and artificial intelligence (AI), reflecting India's dedication to pushing the boundaries of space exploration. Vyommitra embodies a semi-humanoid form—a humanoid design stripped to its essential elements, comprising a head, two hands, and a torso. Its omission of lower limbs is deliberate, aimed at streamlining its functionality within the crew module.
“Vyommitra's primary function revolves around the simulation and testing of critical systems within the crew module. This humanoid marvel is equipped with sophisticated AI algorithms that enable it to autonomously detect environmental changes within the cabin. It can adjust air conditioning and execute assigned tasks with precision. The ultimate goal of Vyommitra's deployment is to prepare for the imminent human spaceflight. It serves as a vital testing apparatus, ensuring the safety and reliability of systems designed to support the Indian astronaut during the Gaganyaan mission. Its versatile skill set includes recognizing ground station commands, managing safety mechanisms and switches, and adopting various postures required during different phases of the mission,” Srimathy Kesan, founder and CEO of Space Kidz India, which is into design, fabrication and launch of small satellites, spacecraft and ground systems, told THE WEEK.
Vyommitra's linguistic capabilities have been programmed to understand and respond in both Hindi and English—further enhance its interactive potential. Its role extends beyond mere technical functions; it is designed to offer emotional support to astronauts, acting as a companion and providing guidance during the stressful and critical phases of space travel.
“When compared to international humanoid counterparts like Russia's Skybot F-850 and NASA's Robonaut 2, Vyommitra represents a distinctive approach. While other humanoids have been developed with a more comprehensive physical structure, Vyommitra's focused design emphasizes specific functionalities crucial to the success of the Gaganyaan mission. This deliberate simplification of structure streamlines its role in the crew module, optimizing its performance for the intended tasks. Vyommitra's significance lies not only in its technical prowess but also in its ability to mimic human-like responses and actions. Its synchronized lip movements simulate speech, allowing it to provide real-time feedback, respond to queries, and execute tasks with a level of agility and precision crucial for space simulations. Furthermore, its role in providing emotional support adds a unique dimension to its functionality, addressing the psychological aspects of space travel,” added Kesan.
