Just like a human doing âThe Robotâ is funny, so too is a robot doing âThe Humanâ. This video, created by SPACE.com, was edited together to showcase the wide range of motion of NASAâs newest humanoid robot, Robonaut 2. Having similar dexterity to a human, NASA hopes Robonaut 2 will eventually take over certain space station duties currently performed by astronauts, such as exterior maintenance and periodic party clean up. Presumably theyâre also responsible for walking the space dogs. (Those dogs the Soviets sent up in the ’50s are still alive up there, right? Right? Guys? Laika!?)
The idea behind Robonaut 2 (also called âR2â) having a largely human form is that it can eventually be programmed to use all the EVA tools and interfaces that have been designed around human astronauts. This eliminates the need to build special versions of tools designed specifically for the robot. Like most of you, the name âR2â leads me to believe that it could also service a damaged X-Wing if necessary.
Having an impressive level of dexterity and maneuverability, Robonaut 2 is designed as more of a robotic co-worker for the human astronauts than a single-function machine. (NASA)
The video is a little misleading, since a) I saw R2 dance at a wedding and heâs not actually that smooth, and b) the torso and head you see are not actually headed to space with the legs. The upper body intended for the legs is actually already at the International Space Station. The top half of R2 has been performing operations at the space station since it was dropped off in 2011. The torso and head have been working from a stationary position until now, but once its legs are delivered, R2 is expected to be able to move freely throughout the space station.
Attached to a model torso for the purposes of demonstration, the legs seen in the video are the only piece actually headed to space. (NASA)
Though based on human form, youâll notice that R2âs legs have a much wider range of motion than our own. The robot has seven pairs of knee joints, each of which can twist and turn in every direction. When fully extended, R2 boasts a 9 foot leg span and has âend effectorsâ instead of feet, which allow it to grasp handrails in the space stationâs interior.
Is R2 only the first of many Robonauts in space? Could a Robonautâs functionality ever eclipse that of a human astronaut? Could we ever get R2 to do the moon walk on the actual moon? Speculate below.
can anyone tell me what that melody is?? and the spesifik one used in this video !!
thanks
We need newer & more robots up in space, yo. But R2 has always been cool.
It’s a shame they still have to use this guy, this old work-horse. Their newer Valkyrie robot seems to be really disappointing, despite looking pretty cool.
http://nasawatch.com/archives/2013/12/nasa-jscs-valky.html
Maybe JAXA will be able to send more robots up there. Bigger ones than this cute lil’ Kirobo guy: http://www.space.com/22235-japan-launches-talking-space-robot-astronaut.html