Justin (robot)

Justin (also known as Rollin' Justin) is an autonomous and programmable humanoid robot with two arms, developed by the German Aerospace Center (DLR) at the Institute of Robotics and Mechatronics, located in Wessling, Germany. Introduced in 2009, this wireless robot is controllable through telepresence, a type of technology that allows a person to feel as if they were present from a location other than their true location.

Justin is intended to be mounted on its own satellite, maneuver in orbit, and repair other satellites. However, it can also be used on Earth to perform simple tasks. The European Space Agency (ESA) planned to have astronauts aboard the International Space Station teleoperating Justin by 2014.

Rollin' Justin has some variations depending on its intended purpose. For example, some versions of Justin may not have wheels. DLR also created Agile Justin—an upgraded version of Rollin’ Justin, and in 2013 TORO—which is similar to Rollin' Justin, except with legs instead of wheels.

The main goal in creating Justin was to make new space robots that are not only light in weight but also have multiple senses and can be controlled from earth. DLR stated that they want to establish robots from "powerful telerobotic concepts and man-machine-interfaces." Eventually, DLR hopes for Justin the robot to be self-controlling; however, not much has been said about what Justin would be able to do if it were self-controlling.

Justin has many features and characteristics that make it different from other robots.

Rollin' Justin does have some variations; however, Justin is always equipped with two hands, two high-definition cameras, PMD sensors, a head, and a torso.

Justin is equipped with two four-finger hands that provide human-like maneuvers. Justin's arms and hands are made with software algorithms, or step-by-step procedures for calculations, that allow it to interact with the environment, avoid collision with the other arm or hand, and perform tasks. The head of the robot has two high-definition cameras that give a sense of depth when manipulating the arms. Likewise, the cameras are also equipped with object-recognition software.

Rollin' Justin, the one meant for daily tasks on earth, has a mobile platform that allows for mobility. Independently operated by the system, Justin is able to freely travel long distances. The mobile platform includes four spring born wheels (wheels made from springs) that create easy mobility. These wheels are independently mobile, which match the requirements needed by Justin's upper body when executing tasks.