Honda is taking another step into space technology — and this one involves giving robots something close to a human hand.

The company announced October 1 from Torrance that its U.S.-based space-development team is working with Redwire on a concept for future commercial space stations.

The proposed system combines Honda’s multi-fingered robotic hand with Redwire’s STAARK robotic arm and experiment-locker technology.

Honda says the system could eventually perform tasks such as retrieving research samples, transferring materials, operating laboratory equipment, managing inventory and inspecting equipment.

The idea is to reduce the amount of routine laboratory work astronauts must perform themselves, particularly as future commercial stations are expected to operate with smaller crews and shorter astronaut stays.

Honda and Redwire representatives are discussing potential applications with station developers and prospective partners during the International Astronautical Congress running October 5–9.

It remains a development concept rather than a deployed space system, but it adds another surprising field — orbital robotics — to the work coming out of Honda’s Torrance operations.

Article Link: See Honda's space robotics announcement