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Space Spiders to Assemble Satellites in Orbit

Posted by samzenpus on from the ziggy-stardust dept.

Grubby Games writes "New Scientist reports that a JAXA mission to determine whether spider-like robots could construct complex structures in space is set to launch in January 2006. The spider bots could build large structures by crawling over a 'web' released from a larger spacecraft. The engineers behind the project hope the robots will eventually be used to construct colossal solar panels for satellites that will transmit solar energy back to Earth."

16 of 155 comments (clear)

  1. Obviously by kadathseeker · · Score: 3, Funny

    I for one welcome our new robotic spider overlords. Really, that is cool.

    --
    The 'Net is a waste of time, and that's exactly what's right about it. - William Gibson
  2. AJAX in Space! by snevig · · Score: 3, Funny

    oh wait...

    1. Re:AJAX in Space! by nmoog · · Score: 2, Funny

      Yeah, this is web2.0 gone mad.

  3. Its too bad its solar, not nuclear... by aapold · · Score: 5, Funny

    They tell us that nuclear stuff in space would be dangerous. Irresponsible.

    But if these spider robots were nuclear powered, they'd have greater power.

    And with greater power comes greater responsibility.

    --
    "Waste not one watt!" - CZ
  4. Nice move. by icepick72 · · Score: 1, Funny

    JAXA and a web ... way to confuse a techie!

    1. Re:Nice move. by Vladan · · Score: 1, Funny

      "spider-like robots could construct complex structures"

      "the spider bots could build large structures by crawling over a web"

      Sounds like Google should do it.

  5. The Replicators! by metlin · · Score: 2, Funny

    OMG! The Replicators are here.

    You bastards, you have no idea what you are letting loose on the world. :-\

    They'd make an artifical Sam Carter, and have her all for themselves. :-(

  6. Hmm by nexcomlink · · Score: 1, Funny

    So let me guess we are going to have a 50ft thick cable floating from earth where these solar panels are located in space, god might trip over it emagine the consequences for that.

  7. And in other news... by iced_tea · · Score: 1, Funny

    NASA has announced the development and deployment of giant cans of 'Space RAID'.

    JAXA engineer Nobuyuki Kaya responded to news of the development with the remark, "RAID???!", just before his head exploded in a puff of smoke.

  8. Re:nice idea but... by nametaken · · Score: 3, Funny

    Naw, its for real. I've seen this episode.

    Eventually the spiders turn into humanoid form, and one wants to all get it on with Carter, which is totally messed up... and then Jack totally blows them up.

    Ok, I watch too much TV.

  9. I for one... by superultra · · Score: 2, Funny

    welcome our new "I For One..." overlords, who will no doubt reveal themselves in this thread many times over.

  10. Cool! by commodoresloat · · Score: 1, Funny
    Giant intelligent spider robots in space!!

    What could possibly go wrong?

  11. Danger... danger... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

    Danger Will Robinson!

  12. And... by DenDave · · Score: 2, Funny

    Ziggy played guitar,
    jamming good with Wired and Geeky,
    The Spiders from Mars....

    --
    -if at first you don't succeed, stay the heck away from paragliding.
  13. hmmm deus? by sam_paris · · Score: 2, Funny

    Spider bots??

    Anyone else thinking deus ex?... *sigh* God I loved that game..

  14. will they obey robots.txt ? by tod_miller · · Score: 3, Funny

    Who knew that Asimovs laws would end up being 'INDEX, NOFOLLOW'.

    tsk.

    Oooooooooh I get it now...

    --
    #hostfile 0.0.0.0 primidi.com 0.0.0.0 www.primidi.com 0.0.0.0 radio.weblogs.com