NASA to Launch Robonaut This Year

By Paul Adams
April 14, 2010

Later this year, NASA's R2 will become the first humanoid robot resident of the International Space Station. The launch of the handsome android, which until now had not been firmly scheduled, has now been fast-tracked to happen this September.

Before the bot goes up, it has to be tested in conditions of vacuum, low gravity, high radiation, and trained sensitivity to the unusual practices on board the ISS.

NASA has released a new video showing off R2's impressive capabilities.

Introducing Robonaut2

R2 was developed through a Space Act Agreement by NASA and General Motors. It is faster, more dexterous and more technologically advanced than its predecessors and able to use its hands to do work beyond the scope of previously introduced humanoid robots.NASA

R2: Asrtronauts' New Coworker

Robonaut2 can use the same tools as humans, which allows it to work safely alongside humans on Earth and in space.NASA

Additional Strength

R2 is able to lift, not just hold, this 20-pound weight (about four times heavier than what other dexterous robots can handle) both near and away from its body.NASA

Gym Rat

R2 working on its curls, demonstrating its lifting power.NASA

Human-Like

R2's human-like shape was a product of the fact that it was built to work with people, assisting with dangerous work both on Earth and in space.Joe Bibby

Cooperative

Chris Ihrke, senior project engineer for General Motors, works with Robonaut2 at Johnson Space Center.NASA

And Agreeable

R2 works hand-in-hand with Chris Ihrke, senior project engineer for General Motors.NASA

Robonaut2

NASA

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