European Space Agency tests Mind autonomy platform for future missions

Opteran delivers general-purpose autonomy through the application of natural intelligence, derived from reverse-engineering insect and animal brains. In 2024, Opteran demonstrated the versatility and robustness of its Opteran Mind technology, notably with the Opteran Mind ROVA reference machine. This plug-and-play system allows mobile robot OEMs to use the simplicity and effectiveness of natural intelligence.

The London-based company said this showcases its ability to navigate complex, dynamic environments without the need for expensive hardware or rigid infrastructure.

Opteran has collaborated with Airbus Defence and Space, supported by the European Space Agency and UK Space Agency. The partners are testing Opteran Mind in Airbus space rovers at the Mars Yard. This project demonstrates the technology's capacity for robust depth perception and navigation in the extreme conditions of off-world environments, a feat that traditional autonomy approaches like SLAM and AI struggle to achieve.

By delivering real-time visual navigation, perception, and mapping using ultra-low compute and simple 2D cameras, Opteran Mind enables Mars rovers to understand their surroundings in milliseconds, overcoming long-standing limitations in planetary exploration.

Opteran is also working beyond space exploration, as evidenced by its partnership with SAFELOG. Integrating Opteran Mind into SAFELOG automated guided vehicles (AGVs) eliminates the need for lidar or magnetic tracks for localization. The AGVs instead rely on low-cost hardware for superior robustness and efficiency.

The company noted that its commercial traction underscores the potential of Opteran Mind in solving real-world challenges, particularly in dynamic warehouse environments where traditional autonomy systems falter.

Opteran Mind ROVA enables autonomous robots to address critical needs, from warehouse navigation to space exploration, paving the way for a future with general-purpose autonomy.

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