NASA to launch R2 to join Space Station Crew

NASA will launch the first human-like robot to space later this year to become a permanent resident of the International Space Station. Robonaut 2, or R2, was developed jointly by NASA and General Motors under a cooperative agreement to develop a robotic assistant that can work alongside humans, whether they be astronauts in space or workers at GM manufacturing plants on Earth.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• R2
• Robonaut 2
• Robonaut2
• Robonaut
• NASA
• GM
• General Motors
• Robot
• Humanoid
• Robotics
• JSC
• dextrous
• autonomy
• autonomous
• ISS
• International Space Station
• Shuttle
• launch
• STS-133
• ULF5

[contourman]

Is the leg going to by like a 3rd arm? Coz the would be badass.

P.S. the music sucks in the video.

[NASAJSCER]

@contourman It's very likely that the leg will be very similar to a 3rd arm.

I'll work on the music for the next video.

[thinktothemax]

@NASAJSCER So it would move it's self around the craft in zero gravity? Wouldn't magnetic wheels be easier?

[NASAJSCER]

@thinktothemax For the first phase they need to keep it's location in a more fixed space as they check out functionality and install upgrades. The leg will probably be targeted more for the final EVA phase.

[thinktothemax]

@NASAJSCER Thanks for the response, and what does EVA stand for?

[NASAJSCER]

@thinktothemax ExtraVehicular Activity - R2 is currently only rated for IVA, Intravehicular Activity. What this means is that R2 will work inside Station until it can be upgrade and tested at which point it can operate in space, outside Station.

[ReePoe]

Ground Breaking stuff, cant believe that something like this isn't being covered more by the world press.. I only found out about this through some small story on the BBC news page about the shuttle launch being delayed.. btw they should use G.E.R.T.Y's face with H.A.L's voice =D

[BrentonTherefore]

This is going to be so much extra work and effort for the Astronauts. I don't understand why they would want to do this.

[Morndenkainen]

Sigh...The lack of innovation at NASA never ceases to amaze me. For people that are supposedly so damn smart, you guys sure are stupid when it comes to reality.

1. Dont send a single robot, send 5.

2. A robot does not need legs to move around the station, it can be done using hands/arms.

3. You dont need autonomous robots. Using them as remotely operated workers would work just as well. Even for autonomous robots, the RO function should be included.

4. Use 3d camera's instead of 2d camera's.

[Countiac]

Yes! An "R2" that looks like C3PO!!!

[Hackzoid]

amazing. 

[sturedenlure]

I'm afraid I can't let you do that, NASA.

[twilight1138]

I, for one, welcome our new robotic overlords.

[45182]

By your command!!

[FlashIeme]

R2D2 Anyone D:

[RobinDropping]

Thanks for posting.