Space Station’s Robotic Crew Member

NASA’s first humanoid robot has successfully hitched a ride to the International Space Station. Built for the specific purpose of working on the space station, its robotic hands work like human hands with the ability to use human tools to assist astronauts with tasks that are simple, repetitive or potentially dangerous. The technology development demonstration will serve as a springboard to help explore and evolve new robotic capabilities in space and on Earth. Robonaut is a joint project of NASA and General Motors (GM) to improve robotic technology and capabilities for future space exploration platforms along with advanced vehicle safety systems and manufacturing plants.

GM expects Robonaut to validate manufacturing technologies that will improve the health and safety of GM team members throughout the world.

“This is one of the first payloads ever on the space station that can actually impart forces in its environment” said Nic Radford, Robonaut deputy project manager from NASA’s Johnson space center. Radford added that an ultra-sensitive, built-in safety system can automatically power down Robonaut if it makes unexpected contact with astronauts or equipment on the station.

During the interview, Radford talks about Robonaut shaking hands with Expedition 30 commander Dan Burbank, as well as what the future holds for the robot aboard the International Space Station. With human-like hands and arms, Robonaut is able to use the same tools station crew members use.

Keywords – Space Station’s Robotic Crew Member, Robonaut, NASA and General Motors, NASA’s Johnson space center, astronauts, Robonaut shaking hands with commander.

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