NASA want to send humanoid robots to help colonise Mars

We could be about to colonise Mars, with the help of robots.

NASA are working with four universities, in Massachusetts and Scotland, on creating human-like robots that will be sent to Mars to set up habitats on the Red Planet ahead of astronauts arriving.

The robot, named Valkyrie, is designed to carry out tasks in environments deadly to humans and in the short term could be sent into disaster areas where human lives would be at risk.

The robot needs to be autonomous as the time delay in communication between Earth and Mars would make it hard to use remote controls to direct Valkyrie for building work and emergency repairs.

Scientists are working on the robot's walking and handling abilities in the hope that there'll be some life on Mars in the near future.

It all sounds like science fiction, but it could very soon be science fact.

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