As Saudi Arabia and UAE increase their focus on space exploration, Epson announces investment in GITAI.
Seiko Epson Corporation and its subsidiary Epson X Investment Corporation have announced an additional investment in GITAI Japan Inc. This is a startup company that develops general-purpose space robots. The investment was made through their EP-GB Investment Limited Partnership.
Originating in Japan, goal of GITAI is to develop and sell versatile space robots that will serve as a workforce for tasks both inside and outside space stations, in Earth’s orbit, as well as on the Moon and Mars. Additionally, they aim to provide services in space.
With the acceleration of space development, including lunar resource development, Mars exploration, and the commercialization of the International Space Station (ISS), a rapid increase in various types of work within space is anticipated, such as the construction of new space stations, lunar bases, and Mars bases. This work is potentially dangerous and is currently being performed by astronauts, who must be trained and transported at tremendous expense.
“The timing of this new Espon investment into the development of space robots coincides with increased space exploration by both Saudi Arabia and the UAE, including the first Saudi woman astronaut, Rayyanah Barnawi, to visit the ISS, where Emirati astronaut Sultan Alneyadi recently completed a space walk. Our focus on research and innovation in space robot technology can be beneficial for the GCC and other nations investing in future exploration,” said Jason McMillian, Sales Director, Epson Middle East.
As outlined in the Epson 25 Renewed corporate vision, Epson aims to drive manufacturing innovation by co-creating flexible, high-throughput production systems that reduce environmental impacts. GITAI’s space robot technology has potential applications in Epson’s robotics business and has proven to be competitive in the expanding space business market.
Going forward, Epson will help to achieve a sustainable society by creating a variety of partnerships and synergies based on its proprietary technologies, products, and services.
