# Episode 100: Robots in space - Mini Rai

- Show: [Robot Talk](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk)
- Published: 2024-11-29
- Length: 23m
- Episode: 100
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2024-11-29-episode-100-robots-in-space-mini-rai
- Listen: https://ukrobotics.libsyn.com/episode-one-hundred-mini-rai

## Summary

Mini Rai, founding Director of Orbit Rise and former Global Chair in Robotic Engineering at the University of Lincoln, discusses the challenges and future of orbital and planetary robotics. She details the harsh environment of space, including radiation and thermal extremes, and explains how Orbit Rise is developing autonomous robots for active debris removal and in-orbit recycling to support a circular space economy. Rai also highlights the technology transfer between space robotics and nuclear decommissioning, specifically applying walking robotic manipulator concepts to fusion reactor maintenance.

## Chapters

- [0:07](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2024-11-29-episode-100-robots-in-space-mini-rai#t=7) Introduction and Overview of Space Robotics
- [5:05](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2024-11-29-episode-100-robots-in-space-mini-rai#t=305) Challenges of the Space Environment
- [6:35](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2024-11-29-episode-100-robots-in-space-mini-rai#t=395) Testing and Validation on Earth
- [7:31](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2024-11-29-episode-100-robots-in-space-mini-rai#t=451) Active Debris Removal and Capture Technologies
- [11:41](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2024-11-29-episode-100-robots-in-space-mini-rai#t=701) In-Orbit Recycling and Circular Space Economy
- [14:23](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2024-11-29-episode-100-robots-in-space-mini-rai#t=863) Founding Orbit Rise and Academia-to-Industry Transition
- [17:12](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2024-11-29-episode-100-robots-in-space-mini-rai#t=1032) Technology Transfer to Nuclear Robotics
- [19:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2024-11-29-episode-100-robots-in-space-mini-rai#t=1140) Future Frontiers in Space and Planetary Robotics

## Topics

- [Robotics & autonomy](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/robotics-and-autonomy)
- [Materials & manufacturing processes](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/materials-and-processes)
- [Sustainability & circular products](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/sustainability-and-circularity)
- [Starting a product company](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/starting-a-company)

## Most relevant to

early-stage companies

## Mentioned

- Orbit Rise (company)
- University of Lincoln (company)
- Surrey Space Centre (company)
- European Space Agency (company)
- UK Atomic Energy Authority (company)
- E-walker (product)
- Sojourner (product)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [Bonus Edition - 2023 RBR50 Review](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2023-04-21-bonus-edition-2023-rbr50-review) (The Robot Report Podcast)
- [Computing in the Cosmos: Sophia Space's Mission to Move Data Centers Into Orbit](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/over-the-air/2025-07-24-computing-in-the-cosmos-sophia-spaces-mission-to-move-data-centers-into-orbit) (Over the Air)
- [Re-skilling coal miners; Jibo returns; Perseverance Rover heads for Mars](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2020-07-29-re-skilling-coal-miners-jibo-returns-perseverance-rover-heads-for-mars) (The Robot Report Podcast)
- [25. Solar Sailing, Preventing Cyber Attacks, Space Trash Robot](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2021-07-06-25-solar-sailing-preventing-cyber-attacks-space-trash-robot) (The Next Byte Podcast)
- [Inside Glacier's Mission to Modernize Recycling](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2025-11-26-inside-glaciers-mission-to-modernize-recycling) (The Robot Report Podcast)

## Citing this page

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