How a Robotic Tail Could Help Future Space Travelers

For a while, researchers have been trying to see if living on another planet is possible and while that proposed idea becomes closer to reality [for a few], microgravity will not be a concern due to the new technology that is forthcoming. This technology is called SpaceHuman. Valentina Sumini and Manuel Muccillo are in the process of creating a robotic tail that is attached to a bodysuit but will also be able to attach to any clothing piece to help diminish the unfavorable effects of microgravity. SpaceHuman can "grab objects, anchor to surfaces and balance while floating in environments with reduced gravity, like in a spacecraft or on the surface of Mars". Although this technology is fairly new as it was designed summer of 2018, in May they plan to test the robotic tail officially for the second time in an airplane, simulating zero gravity to see how it performs. SpaceHuman will not only help in zero gravity but may also be used here on Earth, for underwater by being attached to a wet suit as seen in the picture to the left as well as on land by being a "balancing device for first responders in disaster zones or an exoskeleton for construction or auto factory workers-anywhere people need an extra hand". This technology has many benefits as the sole purpose is to help and guide the person wearing it. The tail consists of many sensors and a camera to allow it to grasp its environment accordingly.

SpaceHuman relates to the new product development process. Currently, it is in the development step which is where it is a tangible product but is still being perfected before it enters the last step which is commercialization where production will begin and it will enter the target market. When those steps are completed it will partake in the market introduction life cycle.

I picked this article because the idea of traveling to another planet is almost unimaginable, but reading and learning about technology that is designed for that reason, further proves that it is closer than we think. Aside from space travel, this technology is so unconventional as it is a tail that attaches to you and moves at your will. All in all, reading about new product ideas excites me for the future.

LINK https://www.wsj.com/articles/robotic-tails-and-zero-gravity-orchestras-lifestyle-upgrades-for-space-11554472496?mod=foesummaries