About the Project
Taking on the challenge of evolvable robots to pioneer the future
The project aims to develop evolvable robots able to operate autonomously in harsh environments on the lunar surface and earth, through a fusion of AI and robot technologies.
This will enable the exploration and settlement of unknown environments that have proven difficult with conventional technologies, bringing innovation to the fields of space exploration and disaster response.
The project is also a key initiative to showcase Japan’s technological capabilities to the world while driving next-generation technological innovation.
In particular, enabling activities in environments once thought to be beyond the limits of what is possible will raise Japan’s international standing in the space development while also greatly helping to address global challenges such as disaster response.
STRATEGIES
Evolving robot swarms: the core of future technologies
MILESTONE
Technological innovations building a sustainable future society
Demonstrating AI and robots as the foundation of next-generation technologies
n the initial stages of the project, we will establish the technologies enabling swarms of small, low-functionality robots to cooperatively perform tasks in unknown environments.
These technologies will bring innovation to the fields of disaster response and infrastructure management, offering new means to protect human lives.
Particularly in the area of disaster response, these advancements will allow us to have robots perform tasks in dangerous areas that humans cannot enter so that the situation can be quickly and safely ascertained, and action can be taken.
Establishing space exploration technologies and strengthening international leadership
As a medium-term target, we will establish the technologies to explore and settle the areas within lunar lava tunnels, bolstering Japan’s leadership in international space development.
These efforts will lay the groundwork for humanity’s activities off-planet, opening up new possibilities for the future exploration of space.
Technologies to establish bases on the Moon can be adapted for use on Mars and other celestial bodies in the future, marking an important step in expanding the habitable zone for humanity in space.
Building a sustainable infrastructure enabling human space habitation
As an end goal, we will aim to develop a base for lunar activities through evolvable robots. This will provide crucial base technologies for space exploration and future habitation.
The technologies will also be adaptable to harsh environments on earth including the polar regions and deep sea, making significant contributions to the development of a sustainable society.
Having evolvable robot swarms establish bases of activity on the Moon will enable humanity to realize long-term activities in space, using the Moon as a new base of operations.
Moreover, these technologies will also be adapted for regions significantly impacted by natural disasters and climate change on earth, playing a significant role in addressing global issues.
