NASA stays competitive

I was trying to find something to blog about when a friend of mine suggested that i google NASA's Puffin project. I did, and couldnt believe my eyes! NASA has developed a special air craft called Puffin. "It takes off like a helicopter and flies like a plane. It can cruise at 140 mph and, with a boost mode, hit about twice that. Oh - and its electric," reports Jason Paur in a blog, which can be found at:http://www.wired.com/autopia/2010/01/nasa-puffin/

If you go to Nasa's website, http://www.nasa.gov/, you can navigate through their search to find the Puffin project. The puffin project was conceptualized by aerospace engineer Mark Moore. "Moore came up with the design for the electric powered 12 foot long, 14.5 foot wingspan, personal air vehicle as part of the coursework for his doctoral degree."

(Nasa.gov/topics/technology/features/puffin.html)

My first thought was that it was very Iron Man like! lol I am astonished that we have come this far with interfaces, and robotics together. And with the two different flight capabilites combined in one aircraft! That kind of integration is impressive. I wonder if we'll ever have the technology to drop the price on those so that we can use them in all of our armed forces?

Eventhough the Puffin hasnt been constructed yet, "NIA hopes to fly a remote control one tird sized model to validate assumptions made in academic studies, with the specific intent of exploring the transition from hover to forward flight."(NASA.gov)

NASA and Technology

NASA, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, has played an integral part in the world of computers and informations systems. Many people have witnessed a shuttle launch, but many do not realize all of the technological advances we have achieved through the space program. Over the last 40 years, it would take too long to mention all of the experiments in space that have lead to advances in our ability to perform calculations and process information.

GM has partnered with NASA to improve robotic technology. We have learned in class that when we are talking about robots, we are talking about information systems. NASA's value in technology has been in its ability to test objects and theories under the conditions of weightlessness. Many of the experiments performed have helped GM build safer cars and plants.

Today, Congress is meeting in committees to discuss cutting NASA's budget for the upcoming years. In addition to costing many people their jobs, this will also reduce many of the missions to space. Reducing missions to space will have a huge impact on the new technology. These budget cuts will affect our quality of life.

There was an article today on the website COMPUTERWORLD regarding NASA and GM teaming up to build a robot that can perform dangerous space walk missions. NASA has been using robotics for years to collect samples on Mars, and to aid in the repair and maintenance of the international space station. GM also has used robotic arms and other automation processes in their plants to build automobiles.

This robot, the Robonaut 2, is designed to be able to manipulate small objects and perform more dexterous tasks than the robotics that NASA currently uses. It can also stay out in space with out worrying about running out of air, or having to manipulate objects while wearing bulky protective equipment. Also, the Robonaut 2 would be better suited to making long journeys in space without the negative effects that humans might experience (such as being injured without a hospital nearby, or home sickness).

As for advantages to car manufacturers, because of the dexterity of its "hands" it can perform precision work on small parts. It also would help improve safety in the plants because it would not tire or become distracted. Of course, some of the people who currently work in auto plants are concerned that this is yet another step in replacing more workers with automation and will result in further job losses.

All in all, the use of robots to perform tasks can greatly benefit mankind. Dangerous tasks can be delegated to automation, and costs will be lowered. We are on the cusp of another revolution, and much like the industrial revolution some people will have a difficult time making the transition. However, I feel that much like the industrial revolution the end result will improve the quality of life for many people, and lead the way for future inovation.