The advanced machine cannot move on its own at this point

Dec 10, 2013 07:40 GMT  ·  By
NASA’s Robonaut 2 is shown with the newly developed climbing legs, designed to give the robot mobility in zero gravity
   NASA’s Robonaut 2 is shown with the newly developed climbing legs, designed to give the robot mobility in zero gravity

Robonaut 2 (R2), the robotic astronaut aboard the International Space Station (ISS), may soon get a pair of legs, officials at NASA announce. The advanced machine, which was developed in partnership with General Motors, is currently affixed to a support structure inside the orbital facility. 

R2 only consists of a bust, two highly capable and dexterous arms, and a head. From the get-go, it was not meant to be a full robot, capable of self-locomotion. Now, experts with the NASA directorates of Human Exploration and Operations, and Space Technology, are providing funds for a project that seeks to outfit the robot with brand-new legs.

This will enable R2 to move freely through the ISS and, most importantly, outside of the station. Experts say that this capability will finally allow the robot to conduct repetitive, strenuous and day-to-day tasks that would otherwise put a human at risk, or take up much of their schedule.

NASA and GM developed Robonaut 2 to work very closely with humans. The machine is capable of exerting a lot of force on an object, such as a tool, but can also grip items delicately if it has to. These skills are necessary if the machine is ever to be allowed to work with humans during spacewalks.

R2 has been undergoing tests and assessments since it made its way into space, in February 2011. It was carried to low-Earth orbit aboard the space shuttle Discovery, during the orbiter's final flight. The machine weighs around 150 kilograms (330 pounds), and is about 1.01 meters (3 feet, 4 inches) tall.

“NASA has explored with robots for more than a decade, from the stalwart rovers on Mars to R2 on the station,” explains the associate administrator for space technology, Michael Gazarik, at NASA Headquarters, in Washington DC.

“Our investment in robotic technology development is helping us to bolster productivity by applying robotics technology and devices to fortify and enhance individual human capabilities, performance and safety in space,” he adds.

Once legs are attached to R2, the robot will be about 2.7 meters (9 feet) tall, when fully upright. Unlike our legs, which only feature three joints (hip, knee and ankle), Robonaut 2's feet will feature 7 joints.

An end effector is attached to each leg, enabling R2 to grab a hold of all the handrails and socket that dot the interior and exterior of the International Space Station. Each of the end effectors will also feature a camera system for better handling and less chances for errors.