Robonaut 2 is ready to go where no humanoid robot has gone before, into outer space. The robot created by NASA is all set to ride on the final flight of space shuttle Discovery up to the International Space Station.
The future with humanoid robots assisting human astronauts is already here! In fact it will be a one way ticket to the International Space Station for Robonaut 2. NASA experts are already thinking of robots that can handle everything from toxic leaks, fires and even cleaning the toilets.
NASA to launch R2 to join Space Station Crew
Rob Ambrose the acting chief of the Johnson Space Centre's automation, robotics and simulation division said that while it might be just a single step for this robot, it is really a giant leap for tinmankind.
The Robonaut 2 or R2 as it is known, is currently built up just from the waist. It is made of aluminium and nickel plated carbon fiber. About a meter tall R2 weighs 150 kgs.
"The extreme levels of testing R2 has undergone as it prepares to venture to the International Space Station are on par with the validation our vehicles and components go through on the path to production," said Alan Taub, vice president of GM's global research and development. "The work done by GM and NASA engineers also will help us validate manufacturing technologies that will improve the health and safety of our GM team members at our manufacturing plants throughout the world. Partnerships between organizations such as GM and NASA help ensure space exploration, road travel and manufacturing can become even safer in the future."