Engineering Services Inc. (ESI) Slated as Key Technology Developer in Canadian Space Agency Exploration Surface Mobility Project
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October 25, 2010
ESI to develop Canada's new space arm technologies
Toronto, Ontario – December 14, 2009 – Toronto-based Engineering Services Inc. (ESI) is pleased to announce that the company has been chosen as one of the key development contractors in the Canadian Space Agency's ambitious Exploration Surface Mobility (ESM) Project, commencing in early 2010.
ESI has been awarded two contracts:
- Development of a Micro-Rover Platform with Tooling Arm; and
- Development of a Small Manipulator Arm (including visual servoing)
As part of the Canadian Government 2009 Economic Action Plan, an investment of $110 million (Cdn) is being made in space exploration to develop terrestrial prototypes of rovers for future Moon and Mars missions, and for other advanced technologies required for space exploration. Around 45% of this investment is being used to develop a new generation of the Canadarm, while the rest will push forward mobility and associated technologies.
The Exploration Surface Mobility (ESM) is the new project that will use the funding of the Budget 2009 Stimulus Initiative to accelerate the development of terrestrial prototypes of rovers and their associated technologies. The ESM project comprises a number of contracts that will deliver a series of terrestrial prototypes for surface mobility and associated peripheral elements. This project aims at developing Canadian capability in the Canadian space sector in key strategic technologies to maintain the expertise in Canada and to reduce the risks associated with Canada's potential participation in future space exploration missions.
ESI is a leading robotics and automation technology company, specializing in the development, design and manufacture of advanced robotics and automation prototypes and products, and custom robotics systems. ESI is recognized as a world leader in its field of business: the development of new, leading-edge robotics and mechatronics technology.
Upon completion of both projects, ESI will consolidate its position in Canada's growing space industry. New technologies and intellectual property retained by ESI over the course of the work will be put to new and challenging uses both in space and on the ground, strengthening ESI's position as a leader in the transfer of robotic technology to the marketplace for the benefit of Canada.