To congregate AI researchers and space scientists from ISRO
To discuss applications of AI/ML and Robotics for future space missions
To explore XR technology for cockpit design of crewed missions
To plan similar workshop at a reputed venue like ICRA 2024
In recent time, space becomes a new frontier for technical innovation and competition. Communication, exploration, future habitation are some of many activities that propels technical innovation. From its inception at the 1956 Dartmouth Workshop, Artificial Intelligence (AI) revitalized itself many times by finding new theories and applications. Space rovers, automatic docking at space station, cleaning of space debris and space surveillance are few of many new applications of AI in space technology. With upcoming Indian missions like Chandrayan (Moon exploration), Gaganayan (Human Space Flight Program), Mangalayan (Mars exploration), time is apt for congregating AI researchers with space scientists to explore new opportunities of collaboration. Emerging technology like AR, MR, VR are already adopted for training crew members and with advent of computer vision, new application areas are emerging in terms of human robot interaction and maintenance of space modules.
The workshop on Role of AI/ML, Robotics and eXtended Reality (XR) Technology for Space Exploration congregated experts from ISRO, IISc, JNCASR and leading industries to exchange details on research and future missions. The workshop was started by a welcome address from Prof Chiranjib Bhattacharyya, Convenor KIAC. The director of ISRO Human Space Flight Program kindly graced the occasion with a detailed presentation on the upcoming Gaganayan mission. An opening plenary was delivered by Prof SK Ghosh of IIT Kharagpur on Spatial Data Science and its relevance for planetary exploration. It was followed up by two interesting talks on space robotics and the Chandrayan mission. Students from IISc demonstrated XR based robot control and simulation of Martian habitat during lunch break. The afternoon session started with a panel discussion on role of AI and Robotics on space exploration. Colleagues from ADA, CSIR-NAL, JNCASR presented development on XR based cockpit development and digital twins. Delegates from University of Akron, USA and Brunel University, UK presented work on using XR technology for space exploration and training crew for international space station. Overall, the workshop was a grand success with more than 200 registrations and physical attendance by colleagues from British Deputy High Commission, Ingersoll Rand, Shell, British Telecom, TCS and many other industries and academic institutes.
Workshop Schedule
Morning Session IST 0930
Welcome Address and brief on KIAC Center of AI/ML - Prof Chiranjib Bhattacharyya, Convenor, KIAC And Chairman, CSA, IISc
About the Workshop, Pradipta Biswas & Aloke Kumar, IISc
System Engineering Challenges of Human Spaceflight, Dr M Mohan, Director, ISRO HSFC
Spatial Data Science, Prof SK Ghosh, IIT Kgp
Space Robotics, Dr Shreya Santra, Space Robotics Laboratory, Tohoku University, Japan
Panel Discussion on Robotics for Space Technology, Moderator: Aloke Kumar
