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Tips on Robotics & Smart Systems Network Design for Space Crews and Robots
By Andrew Aroh
Crew cooperation will always be vital in any manned space exploration mission even if some of those crewmember are not human.
With a current mandate to return human explorers to the Moon, push on to Mars, NASA researchers are developing better robots who will work alongside humans on future missions.
If we are able to really focus on robot perception and manipulation we can have robots manipulation. We can have robots build habitats on the Moon.
The goal of using robots in Conjunction with human astronauts on lunar and planetary missions is to freeup the living members of the crew for exploration and science.
For example, once, two astronauts aboard the International Space Station spent the bulk of their time just maintaining the orbital facility. Thus, humans, could end up spending a massive amount of time just dealing with upkeep. We can’t afford to do that because that would mean needing more humans to be there, eating food, breathing air, etc.
- At Ames Research Center, Scientists and Engineers have constructed an indoor laboratory designed to mock a manned Moon or Mars base, with an inner control room looking out over simulated lunar surface where humans and robots will cooperate to build structures, test equipment and use digging tools. Researchers will use the site to test their systems with NASA’s wheeled Humanoid-Link automation Robonaut and other robots.
The test will lead to space flying assistants capable of taking instruction from human astronauts, responding in a human-Link manner or even offering suggestions and asking for help when needed.
- Streamlining Communications between humans and robots is a first step towards building a better space team. Human beings use very colloquial language.
However, robots are not first-class citizens and they won’t necessarily understand every word.
- Researchers are focusing on enhancing Robot Spatial reasoning skills to ease routine tasks such as handling tools and equipment and allow automations to understand hand signals and gesture on their own during communications with human astronauts. The goal is to develop smoother human robot cooperation.
- Note that Ames researchers have developed intelligent computer software called mobile agents to work as data management bridge between human astronauts, rover and base computer during planetside extravehicular activity.
What we do is give the (robotic-assist) another computer running the agent system. It brings the robot into the voice network and it can speak to astronauts.
- INSTILLING ROBOTIC INSTINTS:
- One of the major challenges facing robot – human cooperation is safety. When you have robots and humans working side-by-side, there have to be safeguards. It’s not just a piece of software anymore.
- A spacesuit-clad astronauts working in the vacuum of space or on the lunar surface is already in a potentially dangerous situation, and in addition of a robot working in close quarters could prove disastrous, if the automation is not equipped with measures to prevent injury or accidental damage. The robot should never endanger the human being.
- Lunar and Mars robots also must be able to Multitask, not only to adapt to their surroundings, but also to increase utility.
- We need robots that can be team players and switch to different role as needed.
- You want robots that can see an object once and recognize it in the future, robots that dig through regolith, and robots that can create oxygen on the moon.
- CONDITIONING HUMANS FOR ROBOTS
- Changing how humans and robots interact does not solely depend on developing better machinery and ever-more sophisticated machinery. Humans will have to adjust too.
It will be a challenge for humans to work down specific robots level.
Humans tend to either decide that the robot is sort of perfect and can trust it, or the robot is unbearably stupid and should not be used.
- Built in responses to indicate confusion and understanding in a robot can act as audio cues for human operators to adjust their directions.
- Developing the proper metal models for human to use when addressing robot helpers can be reinforced through field tests.
- Tens of small field trials and up to four major simulations will likely be required to fully prepare robotic astronauts ready for a space mission.
- But the automations won’t fully supplant human explorers.
Explorers as scientists are always going to want to have situations where they want to scrap that rock, or hand-drill that sample. They will not always have to go to a robot to get the first-hand experience.
By Andrew Aroh is President of SSPI Nigeria
Telecoms giant, MTN Nigeria, has announced the disbursement of over ₦290 million to more than 1,500 winners in its ongoing Mega Billion Promo.
L-R: Deji Roberts, Assistant Director, Nigerian Communications Commission, Lagos Zonal Office; Ugonwa Nwoye, Chief Customer Relations and Experience Officer, MTN Nigeria; Femi Yusuf, 10 Million MTN Mega Billion Promo Jackpot Winner; Efe Kwado, MTN Mega Billion Promo Winner; Onyinye Ikenna-Emeka, Chief Marketing Officer, MTN Nigeria and Samuel Rowland, Chief Operations Officer, Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority at the MTN Mega Billion Promo Media Parley held on Saturday, July 19, 2025 at the MTN Rooftop Events Centre Plaza, Ikoyi.
The update was shared during a live event held on July 19 at the company’s Rooftop Events Centre in Lagos. Representatives from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority, MTN executives, journalists and selected promo winners were in attendance.
Speaking at the event, Onyinye Ikenna-Emeka, MTN’s Chief Marketing Officer, stated that the initiative was launched to support loyal customers during difficult times. “In the last couple of years, it’s been a tough time for the average Nigerian. This promo is one of our ways of making life better for our customers,” she said.
Ikenna-Emeka revealed that the promo has produced over 1,500 winners, including three jackpot winners, 20 winners of ₦5 million each, and more than 100 winners of ₦100,000. She added that the company remains committed to rewarding customers transparently.
One of the jackpot winners, Femi Yusuf, who won ₦10 million, shared his excitement. “I thought it was one of those promos where nothing comes out of it. My wife was the one who spotted my number during the live draw,” he said. When asked about the delivery of his prize, he replied, “Fast and fast. MTN, no scam.”
The event also featured live calls to new winners, including a woman identified as Motunrayo, who won ₦2 million. She expressed joy over the unexpected win, saying, “I’m so grateful. Thanks so much.”
Debo Agun, Senior Manager, Consumer Segment (Mass Market), explained the mechanics of the promo. He said participation is free and open to MTN subscribers who dial *900# to opt in. Airtime purchases serve as entries—₦100 worth of airtime equals one entry, and customers can win multiple times.
Agun stated that 63 winners are selected daily from Monday to Friday, while Saturdays feature 104 winners, including a ₦10 million jackpot. Other prizes range from ₦25,000 to ₦2 million and are paid into customers’ MoMo wallets. Those without wallets can create one by dialing *671#.
Promo draws are conducted and streamed live on MTN’s Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook channels. Independent partners oversee the process to maintain credibility and fairness.
The promo began on June 23 and runs for 90 days.
MENXTT Technology NG has introduced a fresh lineup of USA-specification smartphones alongside its existing range of laptops, accessories, and software tools in a major move to redefine tech quality and customer satisfaction in Nigeria.
The firm, which operates as a fully online IT service provider, is focused on bridging the gap between businesses and customers by offering seamless tech procurement, deployment, and after-sales support.
According to Anthony Emeka Nwosu, Director of Communication and Customer Retention, the company is committed to restoring consumer trust in tech purchases through guaranteed quality, extended warranties, and structured support.
Nwosu stated that the decision to supply USA-grade devices was borne out of frustration with substandard options in the market and zero accountability.
He said MENXTT was built to be responsive, dependable, and quality-driven, assuring customers that they would not be left alone after purchase.
With services covering laptops, accessories, website development, software deployment, and IT support, MENXTT promises to take technology directly to the client with less stress.
The company, located at 8a Oje Imeviani Street, Julie Estate, Oregun, Ikeja, Lagos, is also noted for its tech-enabled structure that allows users to access solutions from anywhere in Nigeria through its online platform.
Customers can reach MENXTT Technology NG via email: info@menxtt.com.ng or website: menxtt.ng.
Telecoms giant MTN Group has partnered with MTV Base to launch the Room of Safety campaign, a youth-led movement aimed at raising awareness on internet safety and digital wellbeing for children and young people across Africa.
The initiative, a major part of MTN’s Help Children Be Children campaign, seeks to address growing concerns around cyberbullying, grooming, misinformation, and other forms of online harm. Through this collaboration, MTN will leverage MTV Base’s extensive reach across youth audiences to drive impactful change.
Central to the campaign is the premiere of a 10-part short-form docu-series titled Room of Safety, which kicks off on July 20, 2025, at 16:00 on MTV Base (DStv channel 322). Episodes will also stream on MTV Base South’s digital platforms including Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok.
Each episode will feature real-life stories, expert interviews, and practical resources to help young viewers identify digital threats and take proactive steps. The series also encourages youth to speak up about negative experiences online and shows them how to report abuse.
A statement from MTN Group emphasized the importance of equipping young Africans with the knowledge and confidence to navigate digital spaces safely, adding that the campaign aims to normalize conversations around digital ethics and mental health within families, schools and peer groups.
The launch is backed by social media engagement and outreach activities targeted at schools, creators, and community organizations across multiple African countries.
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