Robot Inspects Pipes in Petrochemical Platforms

With the purpose of verifying onshore and offshore platforms such as Pemex’s and detect cracks or corrosion, the Mexican Corporation of Material Research (COMIMSA) designed RoboPipe, a robot capable of inspecting the pipes in the chemical and petrochemical industry without risking personnel.
This technology simulates a remote control car with a camera and a measurement device installed; it climbs with the help of magnets and can overcome obstacles, like 90 degree elbows, while the floor personnel registers and monitors data.
Currently, the process pipes that are at a height of more than two meters in offshore or onshore platforms must be inspected by human staff that climbs through scaffolding.

Mars rover hoping to yield more secrets, one year on

WASHINGTON: The dazzling success of NASA's rover Curiosity has paved the way for a human conquest of Mars, scientists say, almost one year after the groundbreaking probe first touched down on the Red Planet.

Since it successfully alighted on the Martian surface on August 6, 2012, Curiosity has gathered and beamed back to Earth a treasure trove of information expected to be vital when a manned mission to Mars eventually takes place.

Japan rocket launch sends supplies, robot to space station

TOKYO: Japan launched a cargo-carrying rocket Sunday loaded with supplies for the crew of the International Space Station, along with a small robot meant as a companion for one of the country's astronauts.

The H-2B rocket blasted off from the southern island of Tanegashima at 04:48 am local time (1948 GMT Saturday), images broadcast by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) showed.