Epson to invest in space robots
Digital print systems developer Epson is looking further afield for future growth opportunities, taking a stake in a company that is developing space robots for Mars and the Moon.
Through its subsidiary Epson X Investment Corporation it has a share in Gitai, a startup company developing general-purpose space robots, and will invest in the company through its EP-GB Investment Limited Partnership.
Robots are starting to make an appearance in the printing industry, initially loading and unloading paper and rigid board into printers. If drupa had taken place next month visitors would have seen several booths run as a smart factory, with robots and AI taking out much labour.
Gitai aims to develop general-purpose robots for space stations, the surface of the Moon and Mars, as well as offer Raas (Robots as a Service). With space development increasing including resource development on the surface of the Moon, additional Mars exploration missions, and the commercialisation of ISS, there will also be increased requirements for labour in space, including the construction of new space stations and bases on the Moon and Mars, as well as the removal of debris.
However, even general labour in space has the potential to be dangerous and expensive due to the costs of training and transportation. In response to this, GitaI aims to lessen the risk and burden on astronauts, and dramatically decrease the overall cost of transportation and training when it comes to space labour, through the development of general-purpose robots that can make space development both safe and affordable.
Epson will investigate the applicability of a variety of Gitai’s core technologies including to robotic solutions, dispatch engineers to Gitai, and will actively promote open innovation through personnel exchanges.
Going forward, Epson will continue developing synergistic relationships through a variety of partnerships centred around its technologies, products, and services in order to contribute to a sustainable society.