Meet the Ice2Thrust partners: University of Luxembourg
Please briefly introduce yourself and tell us more about your current position?
My name is Miguel Olivares-Mendez, and I am the head of the Space Robotics Research Group as well as a Professor of Space Robotics at the University of Luxembourg. I am pleased to work alongside 23 exceptional researchers who are advancing the fields of artificial intelligence and robotics, focusing on planetary and orbital robotics, robotic manipulation, and multi-robot collaboration.
Are there any exciting programs, partnerships or research initiatives that we should keep an eye on?
We are about to embark on two new international projects.
1. **NeverGiveUp**: In collaboration with Prof. Marco Hutter and Dr. Hendrik Kovenbach from ETH Zurich (ETHZ), this project aims to develop a robust and highly autonomous approach to heterogeneous multi-robot exploration. The goal is to enable these robots to overcome challenges and failures while successfully carrying out collaborative lunar prospection missions.
2. **LunarAssembly**: Partnering with Prof. Christian Ott and Prof. Dongheui Lee from TU Wien, this project seeks to create an innovative telerobotic system that has the potential to be disruptive, initiating a new era of space operational missions on the Moon.”
What recent innovations or breakthroughs are you most excited about, and how are they shaping the future of research and education?
We have developed OMNILRS, a photo-realistic lunar simulation environment designed for robotics and teleoperator training. This new simulator utilizes NVIDIA OMNIVERSE to create lunar landscapes based on real data collected from the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) or through procedurally generated data created with OMNIVERSE tools. OMNILRS enables reinforcement learning agents to explore various lunar environments and collaborate on tasks. Additionally, it can be used to train operators for planning future teleoperated missions in the years ahead.
What’s the long-term vision for the team, and in terms of innovation, how far do you believe you can push the boundaries of cutting-edge research of research and education?
We develop innovative AI-based algorithms designed to enhance the intelligence of robots operating in lunar and orbital environments. Additionally, we collaborate with companies such as RedWire, Infinite Orbits, and Blackswan Space to create and validate these algorithms in our state-of-the-art facilities. This partnership aims to bridge the gap between numerical simulations and real-world space deployment. Our long-term vision is to transform researchers into the future workforce for the most innovative New Space companies and space-related research groups. Furthermore, we aspire to expand our collaborations with more companies to test our AI-based approaches in space. You can read more here.
What advice would you give to students and researchers who aspire to contribute to transformative innovation?
They have to be confident and constant because they are in a unique moment for the incoming New Space revolution.
How does the Ice2Thrust project, align with the University of Luxembourg’s goals for space research and innovation? What potential do you see in this partnership to drive impactful developments?
Ice2Thrust is the first EIC Pathfinder project acquired by the University of Luxembourg, marking a significant milestone. This project aligns perfectly with the goals set forth by the initiation of space-related activities and the establishment of the Master in Space Technologies and Business (MSTB). The MSTB was proposed by the Luxembourg Space Agency as part of its spaceresource.lu initiative. Following the creation of the master’s program, the University opened a position for a Professor of Space Robotics, with the vision of developing research activities focused on in-situ resource utilization and innovation in orbital servicing and lunar operations.
Ice2Thrust.Space (S4I2T) is an EU-funded project [GA number 101161690]. The information and views set out in this document are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official opinion of the European Union. Neither the European Union institutions and bodies nor any person acting on their behalf may be held responsible for the use which may be made of the information contained therein.