Agnirva Space Premier League - Expedition #30949: Smartphone-Powered Robots: Telerobotics Exploration on the ISS

Imagine using your smartphone to control a robot in space. That’s the idea behind the "Human Exploration Telerobotics Smartphone" experiment led by Dr. Terry Fong at NASA Ames Research Center. This innovative study tested whether smartphones could effectively serve as robotic brains aboard the International Space Station.

The experiment involved mounting Android smartphones onto free-flying robotic platforms called SPHERES (Synchronized Position Hold Engage and Reorient Experimental Satellites). These smartphone-equipped SPHERES acted as autonomous or remotely operated assistants, capable of navigation, video capture, and performing basic tasks.

The goal? To reduce astronaut workload and increase operational efficiency by using affordable, off-the-shelf technology. With built-in sensors, cameras, and computing power, smartphones are a surprisingly capable platform for robotics.

Conducted over multiple expeditions (29 to 36 and 53/54), the research explored how well the robots could operate using voice commands, autonomous navigation, and sensor-based control. It also examined latency issues in remote operation and ways to enhance robot-astronaut collaboration.

This project lays the foundation for future robotic helpers in space—ones that could inspect equipment, monitor life support systems, or even explore lunar or Martian surfaces.

Beyond space, the findings influence the development of mobile robotics in industries like disaster response, healthcare, and remote maintenance.

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