# AI Orb Companions IBM and Airbus Created the 3D-Printed 'CIMON' to Assist Astronauts in Space By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2018-03-09 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cimon References: [businessinsider](http://www.businessinsider.com/cimon-ibm-watson-artificial-intelligence-iss-2018-2) & [ibm](https://www.ibm.com/blogs/think/2018/02/watson-space/) CIMON (Crew Interactive Mobile Companion) is a creation from aircraft manufacturer [Airbus](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/orbital-module) and IBM that has been designed to accompany astronauts on the International Space Station. The 11-pound, 3D-printed orb will float in space and use IBM Watson software to interact with members of the crew. The talking, flying robot boasts a small screen on which a face is displayed, so that CIMON can emote like a [true companion](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/giddygiddy). As Manfred Jaumann, a payload engineer at Airbus, describes: "CIMON will be the first AI-based mission and flight assistance system." CIMON is currently being developed by Airbus on behalf of the [German Aerospace Center](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/conductive-dlp-ink) (DLR). As of June, German astronaut Alexander Gerst will begin a mission to the ISS, in which CIMON will help with three main tasks: experimenting with crystals, solving puzzles and conducting a complex medical task. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.3/10 - Popularity: 15% | Activity: 17% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [AI](https://www.trendhunter.com/ai) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **AI Orb Companions:** The development of AI-powered orb companions will revolutionize the space industry by providing assistance to astronauts and opening up new opportunities for research. - **3D Printing in Space Technology:** The integration of 3D printing technology in the manufacturing of space equipment such as CIMON will pave the way for new innovations and cost-efficient production in the space industry. - **AI-driven Scientific Research:** The use of AI, like IBM Watson software, to conduct scientific research in space will allow for more efficient and accurate experiments and analysis. ### Where This Applies - **Space Technology:** The space technology industry will benefit greatly from the development of AI-powered orb companions and the integration of 3D printing technology in manufacturing space equipment. - **Artificial Intelligence:** The AI industry can take advantage of the opportunities presented by the development of CIMON, specifically in the area of creating AI-based mission and flight assistance systems. - **Scientific Research:** The use of AI like IBM Watson software in scientific research, specifically in space, offers great potential for new discoveries and innovation. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [AI-Powered Robotic Dogs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/laika.md) - [Intelligent AI Companions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/humanion.md) - [Emotive AI Companions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ourobot.md) - [Robotic Home Companions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ebo-air.md) - [AI Companion Holograms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/project-ava-1.md) - [Portable AI Emotional Companions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ai-emotional-companion.md) - [AI Companion Tools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/auroreai.md) - [AI Emotional Support Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/romi-lacatan.md) - [Desktop AI Companions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lepro-ami.md)