Scientists at Digital University Kerala, in collaboration with Intel Foundry, have unveiled an innovation aimed at improving communication for astronauts during spacewalks.

This technology combines advanced antenna systems and Artificial Intelligence (AI), offering a robust solution to non-verbal communication challenges in the extreme environment of space.

The research focusses on using electromagnetic wave-based hand gesture recognition, achieved through the integration of 3D memristive (non-linear electric component) neural networks and compact, wearable antennas embedded in astronaut gloves.

These antennas leverage Ku-band microstrip patch technology, which ensures astronauts can communicate critical hand gestures seamlessly, even when traditional communication systems fail or are unavailable.

(Ku-band microstrip is a type of antenna used for satellite applications such as fixed satellite, mobile satellite and space research.)

Wearable antennas

The antennas are lightweight, flexible and compact, constructed using materials like glass. Graphene is also being explored as a potential antenna material. These antennas are seamlessly integrated into spacesuit gloves, enabling astronauts to use gestures as a primary communication tool during spacewalks.

AI-driven gesture recognition

The technology incorporates a 3D memristive neural network to accurately recognise hand gestures with 80% accuracy, ensuring effective communication in the isolated and high-pressure environment of space.

The system supports both ON-body to OFF-body and ON-body to ON-body communication, offering flexibility across a wide range of mission scenarios. This feature facilitates communication between astronauts and mission control, or among team members.

Extensive testing guarantees that the system is electromagnetically safe and can withstand the harsh conditions encountered in outer space, thereby ensuring astronaut safety.

Alex James, Professor at Digital University Kerala and a co-author of the study published in the IEEE Journal of Microwaves, explains, “Our innovation is designed to address a critical gap in astronaut safety and communication. This technology could become a vital tool for space exploration, enabling seamless interaction in environments where verbal communication is not always possible.”

Though initially designed for space missions, this AI-driven communication technology has potential applications in various fields, including healthcare, military, and wearable tech industries, he says.