New Robot Could Aid Astronauts in Space

space.com ^ | 02/06/10 | Charles Q. Choi

[KevinDavis]

The next generation of robot astronauts is on its way, and they are even faster, stronger and more dexterous than before.

NASA and General Motors have unveiled Robonaut 2, a more advanced version of the original Robonaut built 10 years ago in a partnership between NASA and the Defense Advanced Research Project Agency. Its nickname, "R2," bears a striking resemblance to Star Wars' R2D2 — "a similarity we've noticed," said Ron Diftler, NASA's Robonaut project manager.

[KevinDavis]

For other space news go to: http://www.spacetoday.net
For a list of Private Space Companies: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_private_spaceflight_companies

[grobdriver]

Whatza point?
We ain’t goin’ to space no mo’, anyway.
Da boss man done tol’ us!

[freedumb2003]

Better hope it doesn't end up like:

[cripplecreek]

[the invisib1e hand]

open the ___ ___ _____, Hal.

[freedumb2003]

Huey, Duey and Louie — the best robots ever.

[GeronL]

I hope its not designed for the shuttle. *frown*

[cripplecreek]

Actually one of my favorite movies too. Too bad it was a hard left flick of the day with Joan Baez music. Watching Bruce Dern blow himself up with a nuke kind of made it all worthwhile.

[MissDairyGoodnessVT]

this robot may soon be homeless the way things are going down in WASHDC

[big'ol_freeper]

I dream of helping astronauts in outer space

[PeaceBeWithYou]

R2D2? WTH are they smokin'?

[PIF]

Don't worry - the lil’ guy will soon be investigating ASW in places no human can go, doing work Americans consider beneath them and better left to robots or foreigners like the Chinese, Russians, Indians, Japanese, Brits, and Europeans.