Giving robots the intelligence to work beyond Earth

Abstract

SpaceR develops artificial intelligence that enables robots to explore, service, assemble and operate autonomously across planetary and orbital missions. The future of space exploration will not be limited by launch capability – it will be defined by robotic intelligence. As humanity prepares for a permanent presence on the Moon and a rapidly expanding orbital economy, robots must become capable of making complex decisions, adapting to uncertain environments and safely interacting with the physical world with minimal human supervision. At the University of Luxembourg, the Space Robotics Research Group (SpaceR) is developing the artificial intelligence (AI) that will power this new generation of autonomous space systems. Since its foundation in 2020, the group has rapidly established itself as one of Europe’s leading centres for AI in space robotics, securing more than €12.5m in research funding, delivering over 30 competitive research projects, publishing more than 130 scientific papers, and building unique experimental facilities dedicated to advancing robotic autonomy beyond Earth.