Robonaut 2 will be the First Human-like Robot in Space

Image Credit: NASA

Robonaut 2 or R2 will be the the first human-like robot in space when the Leonardo Permanent Multipurpose Module (PMM) is launched with STS-133 no earlier than 3 February 2011. R2's systems and control functions will be the first human-like robot demonstrated in near-zero gravity. Robonaut 2, was developed through a Space Act Agreement jointly by NASA and General Motors as a robotic assistant that can work along side humans, whether they are astronauts in space or workers at GM manufacturing plants on Earth. R2 will be the first human-like robot to move its head and stretch its arms in microgravity. R2 consists of a head and a torso with two arms and two hands. Each arm fully extended can apply ~89 nt or ~ 20 lbf, Each finger can apply a force of ~22.2 nt or ~5 pounds. After being unpacked, it will initially R2 will be anchored in one place in the Destiny Laboratory on the ISS for operational testing. It has been ground tested to ensure it does not emit interfering electromagnetic radiation (called EMI or electromagnetic interference) with near by electronics Its materials meet stringent flammability requirements. It has been shake tested for launch conditions. Its cooling fans are very low noise emitters and it has been tested to ensure it is not too loud and not a noise distraction for ISS crew members. It runs on DC power.


Mass: 150 kg

Materials: Nickel-plated carbon fiber and aluminum.
Height: ~ 1 m(from waist to head
Shoulder width: ~0.788 m
Arm span: ~2.44 m
Sensors: 350+, total
Processors: 38 Power PC Processors located in its stomach torso region
Power requirement: 120 Volt DC

54 Servo Motors 

External control: ISS crew or ground control initiation of autonomous tasks with pre-programmed self checks.
Cameras:

• four visible light cameras behind its visor - two for stereo vision, plus two auxiliary 
• infrared camera housed in mouth area for depth perception

Degrees of freedom: 42, total with

• 3 degrees of freedom in its neck, allowing it to look left, right, up, or down 
• 7 degrees of freedom in its arms 
• 12 degrees of freedom in its hands 
• 4 degrees of freedom in the thumb 
• 3 degrees of freedom each in the index and middle fingers 
• 1 each in the ring and pinky fingers

Once its demonstration capabilities have been proven inside the station, software upgrades and lower bodies can be added, potentially allowing Robonaut 2 to move around inside the station doing mundane tasks such as cleaning filters and vacuuming and eventually working outside the ISS.

Robonauts may one day be performing EVA tasks on the ISS or in other missions such as satellite servicing. Robonauts have a future in comet and NEO exploration such as sample surveys and mapping projects, solar system missions, or Mars and Lunar landings leading the way for humans.

Robonaut2 or R2 manipulating a 20-pound weight
Image Credit: NASA

Robonaut 2 robots were designed to use the same tools as humans.

Image Credit: NASA

Chris Ihrke, senior project engineer for General Motors,
works with R2 at Johnson Space Center.
Image Credit: NASA

Robonaut2 and STS-133 crew members
in front of Destiny lab trainer
Image Credit: NASA

 the Permanent Multipurpose Module in the Space Shuttle
 Discovery Cargo Bay which is packed with
supplies,critical spare parts, as well as Robonaut 2

Future exploration possibilities
Image Credit: NASA

Remember Captain Pike from Star Trek. He could be coming to a space station orbiting your planet soon.

NASA to launch R2 to join Space Station Crew
Image Credit: NASA

References:

NASA Press Kit October 2010 Expedition 25 and 26 A New Decade Begins: http://www.nasa.gov/pdf/488923main_exp25_26_press_kit.pdf

Robonaut2, the Next Generation Dexterous Robot:
http://www.nasa.gov/topics/technology/features/robonaut_photos.html

NASA Robonaut2 Fact Sheet: http://www.nasa.gov/pdf/464887main_Robonaut2FactSheet.pdf

NASA, GM Take Giant Leap in Robotic Technology: http://robonaut.jsc.nasa.gov/default.asp

NASA to Launch Human-Like Robot to Join Space Station Crew:
http://www.nasa.gov/topics/technology/features/robonaut.html