In the unforgiving expanse of space, robots boldly go where humans cannot. They can help astronauts conduct critical safety assessments with greater efficiency.

According to TMCnet, the space shuttle Endeavor is currently orbiting the Earth, and the crew recently conducted a test of the ship’s safety features. Aiding them in the process was a 50-foot robotic arm used to check the vessel’s heat shield, which experts say protects the spaceship as it re-enters the planet's atmosphere.

The robotic system, called the Orbital Boom Sensor System, is part of an initiative to help keep astronauts safe in the wake of the 2003 Columbia shuttle disaster that took the lives of seven crew members, stated the media organization.

Robotics systems may help NASA controllers breathe a little easier as future spacecrafts begin their descent to Earth.

“Endeavour's performing absolutely flawlessly. We're tracking no significant issues whatsoever with the vehicle, and the crew is doing outstanding as well," said Gary Horlacher, Endeavor’s flight director.

Space may be the final frontier, though for some robots it’s a new horizon. Recently, a robotics competition aboard the international space station was announced, reported Space Ref.

As society becomes more dependent on technological instruments, it is likely the robotics manufacturing field will boom. According to Biz Smart, Kiva Systems recently moved its operations to a much larger venue.

The company, based in Woburn, Massachusetts, makes robotics systems designed to automate ecommerce processes for vendors and manage warehouse for large retailers, reports the news source. Now, it appears that the company is in high demand and, as a result, expanded its enterprise accordingly.

“We’re a high-growth, high-tech, venture-backed business that’s been growing nicely the last several years,” Mick Mountz, CEO of Kiva Systems, told the media organization.

The new warehouse will not only help Kiva Systems expand its business reach, it will also serve as a demo area for its line of robots used to help manage warehouse distribution systems. These robotics systems, according to Biz Smart, use “mobile shelves” to bring supplies to inventory managers quickly, effectively halving production times.

According to Wired, the company has some pretty big contracts. Walgreens and Staples currently employ Kiva System’s robots in their warehouses.

Hazelton, Pennsylvania, Mayor Joe Yannuzzi believes the city may be able to benefit greatly from advanced technology and robotics systems, according to the Standard Speaker. In a recent address, he proposed technology improvement initiatives that hinge on innovative solutions to normal urban problems.

The parking situation of Hazelton may be aided by a robotic parking garage. The news source reports that such a facility will feature a robot-operated hydraulic system that will allow city officials to put more cars in the confined space.

In the past, only 40 cars were able to fit at the parking site. With the advent of robotic parking systems, more than 150 cars may be precisely moved into designated spaces, states the media organization. However, the initiative will likely be expensive, forcing Yannuzzi to wait for additional funding to arrive.

Cities with limited space to build parking garages may find value in robotics parking. According to Curbed, Los Angeles will build automated parking garages in Chinatown and West Hollywood, two of its more populous neighborhoods.

A new robotic prototype developed by researchers at the University of Minnesota can rule the land and air, reports Geek.com.

The machine can run on land, using its two wheels to roll itself around. In addition to this functionality, the news source reports that via a second, independently-operating motor system, the robot can effectively switch its mode of transportation to fly around like a helicopter.

The device was developed by researchers Alex Kossett and Nikolaos Papanikolopoulos, who displayed their innovative design at a recent robotics symposium in Shanghai, China, stated the media outlet.

With the ability to transform itself from a driving machine to a flying craft, the miniature robotics system may incur a good amount of consumer interest, claims Geek.com. However, the prototype's design is too expensive to be commercially viable, though in the future technological advancements or manufacturing refinements may make the system more affordable.

Furthermore, when the device enters the robotics marketplace, it may find itself in a booming industry. according to the Robotics Industries Association, this sector has grown the past year, as first quarter robotic sales displayed a year-over-year increase of 31 percent.