This year’s i-SAIRAS symposium delivered on its promise of groundbreaking discussions. Our Director William Pagnon presented on the topic, “Laser Welding for Off-World Applications with the Blue Dragon Framework Advanced Manufacturing System.” Space welding is going to be essential. Just think about the need for building, maintaining, and repairing infrastructure in the harsh environment of space. As humanity moves closer to establishing long-term missions on the Moon, Mars, and other celestial bodies, welding in space enables sustainable exploration and development.
I-SAIRAS 2024 Key Takeaways
- The Blue Dragon Framework integrates advanced robotics with machine vision for welding. It can redefines scalable and sustainable solutions in future missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond.
- Developing the Blue Dragon for off-world welding is backed by the AusIndustry through the Modern Manufacturing Industry Collaboration Grant. This innovation aligns with the Australian Space Manufacturing Network’s #ASMN goals to position Australia at the forefront of space tech supply.
- William emphasized Blue Dragon’s precision, sustainability, and adaptability – but a robot arm suited to space is needed.
A World-Class Event
For 25 years, i-SAIRAS has united global leaders in artificial intelligence, robotics, and automation, fostering cross-disciplinary collaborations. For the very first yime, i-SAIRAS was held in Australia. This year’s theme, “New Frontiers: Harnessing AI, Automation, and Robotics for Space Exploration and Earth’s Challenges,” highlighted how space tech breakthroughs transform industries on Earth.
The symposium focus included:
- AI in deep space exploration
- Robotics for space construction and repair
- Sustainability in space exploration
- Human-robot collaboration
- In-situ resource utilization
William’s session was an example of how Earthly innovations are shaping the future of space exploration. Hosted by CSIRO (in collaboration with NASA as well as the Space Agencies for Australia, Japan, Canada, Germany, and the Euorpean Union), i-SAIRAS 2024 brought together national and international leaders, exhibitors, and industry professionals. The event underscored the importance of global partnerships. Together we are advancing space exploration and its applications here on Earth.
