NASA selects miniature camera for robotic mission
August 13, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE). Medigus Ltd., a medical device company developing and commercializing micro-cameras and minimally invasive endosurgical tools and procedures, announced that NASA has incorporated Medigus' micro ScoutCam 1.2 into its Visual Inspection Poseable Invertebrate Robot (VIPIR) tool. VIPIR is a robotic, maneuverable, borescope inspection tool that is being tested as part of the Robotic Refueling Mission, an experimenton the International Space Station that has been demonstrating tools, technologies, and techniques for on-orbit satellite servicing since 2011. micro ScoutCam 1.2 is being utilized as the borescope camera on VIPIR, a tool designed to provide unique visual inspection capabilities in space. The use of micro ScoutCam 1.2 fits under the previously established contract with NASA.
“Our partnership with NASA is a powerful testament to the technological versatility of micro ScoutCam 1.2,” said Chris Rowland, CEO, Medigus. “We are honored that our micro ScoutCam technology has been selected to help NASA successfully execute the next phase of their Robotic Refueling Mission.”
Medigus says the micro ScoutCam is the smallest camera in the world and is suitable for for medical and industrial applications including gastroenterology, cardiology, urology, gynecology, dentistry, robotics, remote nondestructive testing (NDT), and micro-drilling inspection. The micro ScoutCam 1.2's versatility is supported by key features including its miniature size, image quality, customizable optics, waterproof materials, and adaptability in extreme temperatures.
VIPIR, incorporating the micro ScoutCam 1.2, launched to the International Space Station at the end of July, as part of second phase of NASA's Robotic Refueling Mission. Phase 1 of the investigation was successfully completed in May 2013.
“NASA is steadily maturing a set of robotic technologies that could help prolong the lives of satellites on orbit, thereby providing new capabilities for the agency,” said Benjamin Reed, deputy project manager of NASA's Satellite Servicing Capabilities Office. “Medigus' micro ScoutCam 1.2 met the requirements for VIPIR's borescope camera, and will demonstrate inspection capabilities once Robotic Refueling Mission operations begin.”
“We are very excited about micro ScoutCam 1.2 being launched into outer space, as it truly showcases the camera's versatility and degree of possible applications,” said Yaron Silberman, VP of sales and marketing at Medigus. “We are very proud of our partnership with NASA and that our innovative micro ScoutCam technology meets NASA's needs.”