Montreal researchers developing AI that could help us settle the moon
In the halls of Polytechnique Montréal, the sight of an articulated robot climbing the stairs barely distracts students, who are accustomed to being surrounded by futuristic technology.
"I can actually tell it where I want it to go," explains engineering professor Giovanni Beltrame, demonstrating other robots he uses with his newly assembled research unit.
The unit, called Astrolith, is developing a type of artificial intelligence that could one day contribute to lunar exploration.
Astrolith makes computers and software that can be adapted to various exploration devices like drones and robots.
"We are putting together a lot of professors, 18 professors in fact, with different expertise, so we can move forward lunar engineering in view of permanent settlement on the moon and beyond," Beltrame said.
The last time Americans took a rover to the moon was in 1972.
But the race for lunar exploration is heating up again. Several countries, including Japan this month, have landed lunar modules.
Americans and Canadians are also participating in manned exploration over the next two years as part of the Artemis missions.
Except this time, the scientific world has much more ambitious goals -- and this is where the team at Polytechnique comes into play.
"In the future, I would say the near future, mining will be a thing because it's very important to build settlements on the moon, so you need to mine your own resources there," said Beltrame.
The engineering in development by Astrolith could even change how we exploit our own planet: "It's also possible that mining in space might be more advantageous than mining on Earth due to the environmental effects of mining here."
The sensors being developed are so advanced that the cameras on the robots can map out their environment in 3D and respond accordingly.
Beltrame is surrounded by young masters and PhD students eager to rediscover the lunar ambitions that drove NASA in the 1960s.
"Actually, it would be my dream to live on the moon, but that's a little early for that. But we're working on it," said Astrolith member Guillaume Ricard.
It's a new space age for a team striving to carve its own legacy onto the lunar surface.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Suter scores late goal, clinches series for Canucks
Pius Suter scored with 1:39 left and the Vancouver Canucks advanced to the second round of the NHL playoffs with a 1-0 victory over the Nashville Predators on Friday night in Game 6.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.