ABSTRACT
Increasingly more complex systems are being built and conceived by high-tech industries. Examples of future complex systems include the biologically inspired aircraft with self-healing wings that flex and react like living organisms, and the integrated human robotic outpost (Figure 2.1). The aircraft is built of multifunctional material with fully integrated sensing and actuation, and unprecedented
levels of aerodynamic efficiencies and aircraft control. The robots in the outpost are used to enhance the astronauts’ capabilities to do large-scale mapping, detailed exploration of regions of interest, and automated sampling of rocks and soil. They could enhance the safety of the astronauts by alerting them to mistakes before they are made, and letting them know when they are showing signs of fatigue, even if they are not aware of it.
