How Can Robots Help Us?
If your family has ever planned a trip to an exotic place, there is a pretty good chance that your destination has already been checked out by a reliable travel agent to help ensure your family’s comfort and safety during your visit. Knowing what we do about the hostile environment on Mars, it might be a good idea to have someone (or something) thoroughly check out that destination before humans travel there, so that there are no disastrous surprises awaiting us when we arrive. Robots are ideal for this task. In fact, an important part of Canada’s role in the space program is the design and development of “smart” robotic technology for the exploration of Mars. Canadian developed robots, such as those developed by NORCAT (The Northern Centre for Advanced Technology) were designed to help with mining exploration and to make underground mining operations safer. These robotic devices could also help with the search for hidden underground water on Mars. Canadian robotic technology can also
