[Tyler]

First Humanoid Robot in space!
     



 


 A few hours ago the space
shuttle Discovery took off for its final flight. Among its cargo it
carries the Robonaut2
humanoid robot that will be deployed to the ISS. Robonaut 2 or R2 is
humanlike in appearance because it was designed to perform similar to
human tasks. It has a torso, two 7dof arms with a 12doF hand each and a
head where its vision equipment is placed. It can reach and grasp
objects and tools and it is also capable of holding and handling soft
materials like a cloth or an envelope. Robonaut2 is the latest step of a
15-year-old effort by NASA to develop a humanoid robot that will be able
to operate alongside humans in the demanding environment of space. The
Robonaut program started in 1997 with the first prototype and GM joined
in 2006 to assist the development of the more advanced R2. It will be
permanently installed in the Unity
node of the International
Space Station and during the next months it will be deployed for its
first test in the Destiny
Laboratory. Initially it will be evaluated and used for teaching
engineers how a dexterous robot behaves in space. In the near future it
will gradually receive software and hardware updates (possibly a lower
body) and it will be engaged in simple or more elaborate tasks. Robonaut2
Fact Sheet (PDF, 3.4 MB) , NASA Robonaut
videos.
   

http://robots.net/article/3113.html