Robonaut 2 / R2
Robonaut 2, also known as R2, is the first dexterous humanoid robot in space, and the first US-built robot at the space station. R2 is the product of NASA and General Motors working together, with assistance from Oceaneering Space Systems engineers, to develop the next generation of robots and related technologies for use in automotive and aerospace industries.
Robonaut 2 is a state of the art highly dexterous anthropomorphic space robot. It is able to use its hands to perform a series of exercises in microgravity, including moving knobs and switches and handling tools.
In February 2011, R2 arrived at the International Space Station. Originally he was designed to be nothing more than a torso operated from on top of a fixed pedestal, but in August 2014, legs were installed. These climbing legs will allow R2 to assist astronauts with chores inside and outside the station, freeing up time for astronauts to do more research and tasks of the higher-thinking variety.
Its legs do not look like human legs since human legs are meant to be used on the ground under the effect of gravity and are of little use in space. Robonauts' legs, however, had to be designed in a way that could make the space robot move around through a weightless environment resulting in legs with climbing and grasping capabilities.
For this reason the legs are longer and have more degrees of freedom (DOF) making them flexible in their use. Each leg has seven joints and a grasping device on what would be the feet or toes called an "End Effector".
End Effector With Camera And Gripper - picture: NASA
These end effectors allow the robot to use the handrails and sockets inside and outside the station to hold on to and move around. A vision system for the end effectors will be used to verify and eventually automate each limb's approach and grasp. With the legs attached to the torso, R2 has a fully extended leg span of 9 feet, which gives it great flexibility for movement around the International Space Station (ISS).
End Effector Holding A Tool - picture: NASA
In addition to its legs, NASA is also developing a wheelbase that will propel the R2 across Lunar and Martian terrain.
Another reason NASA has developed R2 was that it can bring one set of tools for the precursor mission. This improves efficiency in the types of tools, and removes the need for specialized robotic connectors. Future missions could then supply a new set of tools and use the existing tools already on location.
Oceaneering Space Systems
