Orbit Robotics, a startup based in Zurich, has developed Helios, a four-armed robot designed to operate inside space stations. The robot targets the 35% of crew time currently spent on maintenance tasks, which the company values at approximately $140,000 per hour based on NASA's cost estimates for astronaut time.
Helios features four robotic arms that can perform a variety of tasks, from cleaning and inspection to repairs and experiments. The robot is designed to work autonomously or under remote control, potentially freeing up astronauts for more critical scientific work.
The startup has not yet announced a specific launch date for Helios to the International Space Station, but the technology is being developed in collaboration with European space agencies. Orbit Robotics aims to reduce the workload on astronauts and increase the efficiency of space station operations.
