The concept of a realistic-looking robot dog called Laika was introduced as a potential AI-powered companion for astronauts during space travel. Laika is intended to be an alternative pet to deal with the loneliness experienced by astronauts.
Unlike existing robot dogs, Laika was designed by Jihee Kim to be friendlier and able to blend into the astronaut’s “home context.” In addition to companionship, Laika is also equipped to monitor emergencies and the health of those on board the spacecraft.
Laika_Moving Scenario from KIM JIHEE on Vimeo.
Made of robust titanium to withstand the harsh space environment, it incorporates various sensors for identifying objects and people, an infrared camera, a depth camera, a slam camera, an ultrasonic sensor, and an ECG sensor for health monitoring. These sensors play an important role in recognizing emotions when astronauts experience heightened emotions.
Future improvements from Leica include adding mixed reality glasses to provide users with real-time information about the robot dog’s activities. Leica’s rendering depicts a dog with a friendly face, aiming to provide companionship for astronauts who may miss a real-life pet during space missions.
Laika has a telescoping handle on its back that allows the user to carry small items or pick up and move the robot dog. In addition to its potential applications in space, Leica is also versatile and can be used at home.
Although Laika is currently a conceptual idea, its development represents an innovative approach to addressing the psychological and emotional needs of astronauts on long-duration space missions. Incorporating mixed reality technology can further enhance its capabilities and provide users with even more information and interactivity.
