Robonaut 2, a robot designed to help astronauts with difficult tasks, will leave the earth behind and start his new life on the International Space Station in November. Check out what he can do now — and in the future.
Robonaut 2 was designed with enough precision to be able to use human tools, and work alongside human beings in maintaining equipment.
He's not a drudge or a replacement, though. According to John Olson, a NASA director, "This project exemplifies the promise that a future generation of robots can have both in space and on Earth, not as replacements for humans but as companions that can carry out key supporting roles."
With four visible-light cameras in his visor, an infrared light camera in his mouth, and a 'space leg' that will allow him to attach to equipment, Robonaut 2 can be very useful around the station.
But this might be his great, great grandchild, tooling around Mars. Eventually Robonauts will go where no man one else manage.