ROBONAUT2 (R2) : NASA's Android Astronaut Assistant Prepares for Launch

NASA is preparing to send its first humanoid robot into space. Robonaut first twitched to life in September 1999 and, after a decade of tests, the 140-kilogram R2 model will finally be launched to the International Space Station on the space shuttle Discovery's last mission in September.

With continual maintenance work needed on the ISS, the idea is to give the crew an assistant that never tires of undertaking mundane mechanical tasks - initially inside the craft but later outside it too.

Robonaut2 is ambidextrous and designed to use the same tools as human astronauts. He can lift up to 20lbs and operate in environments too dangerous for humans. Basically he’s our red shirt. If it looks like someone might die, they’ll send Robonaut2

R2 comprises a humanoid head and torso with highly dexterous arms and hands. It was developed by NASA in conjunction with roboticists at General Motors. After being bolted to a piece of ISS infrastructure, R2 can use the same tools, such as screwdrivers and wrenches, as the astronauts.

One reason for the mission, NASA says, is to see how Robonaut copes with the cosmic radiation and electromagnetic interference inside the space station.

Robonaut 2, or R2, is a faster, more dexterous and more technologically advanced robot that can use its hands to do work beyond the scope of earlier humanoid machines, say the developers.

"Our challenge today is to build machines that can help humans work and explore in space," said Mike Coats, director of the Johnson Space Center.

"Working side by side with humans, or going where the risks are too great for people, machines like Robonaut will expand our capability for construction and discovery."

"For GM, this is about safer cars and safer plants," said Alan Taub, GM's vice president for global research and development. "The partnership's vision is to explore advanced robots working together in harmony with people, building better, higher quality vehicles in a safer, more competitive manufacturing environment."

The original Robonaut, a humanoid robot designed for space travel, was built 10 years ago, and was starting to look decidedly creaky.

R2 is not only more dexterous, but also stronger than its predecessor. It can lift a 20lb weight at arm's length, about four times as much as any other dexterous robot, says NASA.