NASA’s Snake-Like Robots Searching for Life on Saturn’s Moon

Could we use robots to explore the oceans of Enceladus? In this episode, Neil deGrasse Tyson and co-host Harrison Greenbaum dive deep into the EELS Project, an effort to send a snake-like robot to Saturn's moon Enceladus with Matthew Travers, a roboticist at the Biorobotics Lab at Carnegie Mellon University.

What comes to mind when you think of robots? We explore how the gap between science fiction and reality is closing faster than you might think. We discuss the ethics of robotics and whether we should name robots. Should robots resemble lifeforms, or should they be designed purely for function? Discover the engineering challenges of creating robots with multiple degrees of freedom, like those with six legs, and the complications that come with increased control and articulation.

Learn about the EEL Project, an effort to send a snake-like robot to Saturn's moon Enceladus. This robot, designed to navigate the treacherous geysers and sinkholes of Enceladus, will be tasked with exploring subsurface oceans and collecting samples. WE explore the intricate design of the robot, built with eight segments and 16 motors to ensure redundancy and reliability on this daring mission.

Tune in to discover how engineers are pushing the boundaries of robotics, working alongside NASA, and tackling some of the most complex challenges in space exploration. Plus, get a cosmic perspective on why robots in movies might be more unimaginative than you think and why a tandem review of robot morality is essential as we venture further into this technological frontier.

Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction: Space Robots
03:19 - Reimagining Robots
8:25 - Designing Robots & Degrees of Freedom
17:22 - Sending Snake Robots to Enceladus (The EELS Project)
28:40 - Constraints & Redundancies
33:00 - A Cosmic Perspective

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About StarTalk:
Science meets pop culture on StarTalk! Astrophysicist & Hayden Planetarium director Neil deGrasse Tyson, his comic co-hosts, guest celebrities & scientists discuss astronomy, physics, and everything else about life in the universe. Keep Looking Up!

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[StarTalk]

By modeling our robots after animals, are we unlocking the secrets to surviving alien worlds, or is nature's blueprint only part of the solution?

[Zack_Kihara]

I know Neil likes having different comedians on Startalk, but chuck is by far the best. Their chemistry is unmatched

[nxllson]

It's safe to say, Chuck is a fan favorite 😂 we miss you!!!

[PatfromMania]

I'd like an explainer on where the heck Chuck is please

[chalkiememe]

Personally I loved this episode. It’s nice to have different faces now and again and guys, Chuck has his own job and projects so he needs time for that. He will be back so just enjoy getting to know some other guests.

[AdamGs]

"Schindler's Lift" is one of the most brilliant and hilarious things I've ever heard.

[joey]

I've never hated on someone's laugh🤣

[jacobokpara]

Is anyone not gonna talk about the laughter of the guy with glasses?. Very funny the way he laughs.

[Yuna-sp]

If Tom Hanks can have deep feelings for a volleyball, yes you can have feelings for a robot

[Renatus_Eruditus]

The density of Chuck love is getting so high, we might create a black hole ⚫️ in the comments.

Tbh if I was Neil, I'd be jealous by now 😅

[Apocryphate]

“No skeleton has ever had swagger.” Laughs in Jack Skellington.

[astrocoastalprocessor]

Missed Lord Nice but the chemistry and levity was very delightful

[samsimmons]

It’s the Notorious B.I.G. shirt for me

[starnet]

So, when speeding about "robots", I'm from the Czech Republic, and the person who coined the word "robot", was a Czech writer named Karel Čapek.

[terrielawson]

I have to say that the guy in the black T-Shirt has the best laugh. Loved this video. Very interesting.

[crazycrazy]

Im no expert, but I think the people miss Chuck 😂

[janerkenbrack]

I recognize your actual point, but to interject some humor, remember that a robot car on The Jetsons would mean paying another voice actor and additional screenwriters. Plus, the idea that people in the future would still be physically commuting to the same sort of office job they had on Earth is funny. It's part of the joke.

[HJ-pmdx]

As someone how studied in the intersection of robotics and psychology. I love this segment. Illness kept me from pursuing the field, but many of the brilliant minds I worked/studied with, are very invested in ethical development, and I am truly hopeful for what they will uncover and reveal.

[GrumpyGamerGuy]

One of the best episodes yet, and that guy is AWESOME, what a genuine laugh!

[RetNemmoc]

Recoverability while descending could be as simple as a separate small crane connected by wire to an eyelet at the tail end of the robot. Once down it could release and swim freely, and possibly even return and reconnect to the cable for recovery. This would allow for sample collection and later recovery.