iMETRO (Integrated Mobile Evaluation Testbed for Robotics Operations) Facility

Crew time in space is both precious and limited. Required routine tasks such as logistics, maintenance, and assembly consume valuable hours that could be spent on yielding scientific discoveries, and exploration milestones. Remote robotics can offload these tasks. However, deploying mobile, dexterous robots in human-centered environments is still a challenge. Integration difficulties and unknowns are slowing adoption for flight missions. iMETRO, a NASA JSC test facility, tackles the challenge. iMETRO uses representative robots to test, gather data, and contribute innovations to further the development of space robotic hardware—focused on logistics, maintenance, and science operations in pressurized (IVA) environments like habitats, rovers, and space station modules. Our goal: Advance integrated robotic systems to higher Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) for real mission deployment.