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NASA Testing Linux-Based Exploration Robots

SeenOnSlash.com writes "This week NASA is testing a Linux-based lunar rover called K-10 in the Arizona desert. To cut costs and promote maintainability the K-10 runs Linux and uses commercial off-the-shelf parts where possible. The robot rover's control and communications system is based on an IBM Thinkpad X31 and attaches to subsystems with standard PC interfaces. Real-time tasks such as fine-grained motor control are offloaded to a distributed network of microcontroller-powered control boards. Maneuvers can be watched through a live webcam."

2 of 137 comments (clear)

  1. I want to see a robot penguin on Mars by Anonymous+Cowabunga · · Score: 0, Offtopic

    So Kawaii!!!

    1. Re:I want to see a robot penguin on Mars by Anonymous Coward · · Score: -1, Offtopic

      As a Japanese woman having escaped the conservative, backwards culture of my homeland and now living in NYC, I have a strong urge—not to spew feces all over you—but rather to inform you that japanophile otaku like yourself make me sick. You and your kind are the last people on earth I'd consider dating. Please get a life.