Humans and robots: hand in grip.
As we move boldly forward into the 21st century, there has rarely been a more exciting time in which to contemplate the future of space exploration. The President of the United States has made a new and ambitious commitment to exploration of the solar system and beyond. Robotic partners will play a vital role in ensuring that the Vision is truly "sustainable and affordable". Relevant science and technology will be discussed with particular emphasis on expertise from NASA Ames Research Center of which the author is Director. The likely evolution of the balance between human explorers and robotic explorers will be addressed.
Hubbard
G Scott
GS
NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA 94035-1000, USA. G.Scott.Hubbard@nasa.gov
D001185:Artificial Intelligence; D004867:Equipment Design; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D011640:Public Policy; D012371:Robotics; D013026:Space Flight / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000639:trends*; D018531:Spacecraft / Q000295:instrumentation; D014481:United States; D018557:United States National Aeronautics and Space Administration