Humanoid Robot R2 on Last Discovery Launch

BY LIZ REED

You're watching multisource science video news analysis from Newsy


Discovery just blasted off on its final space voyage and while you'd expect everyone to be talking about the end of an era, people can’t stop buzzing about the robotic future.

Accompanying six human astronauts is Robonaut 2, or R2, the first robot in space. General Motors co-developed the 330 pound man of steel, who will help the crew at the International Space Station.

SCIENTIST: “The goal here is that there are many tasks that can be more efficiently off loaded to robots. For example in space, when astronauts perform tasks there are a lot of set up before the task is started and a lot of tear after the task is done particularly on space stations.”

After the mission, R2 will be left behind at the International Space Station as a caretaker and experiment tender. While it’s uncertain how he will hold up by himself, NASA scientist Rob Ambrose tells the Los Angeles Times he’s pumped about the possibilities.

"So in a sense, while it [the testing phase] may be a single step for this robot, it's really a giant leap forward for tin mankind.”

R2 is one of many prototypes NASA hopes to send to all corners of the galaxy. But Fox News points out - the increased interest in robots leaves little room for future human space travel.
REPORTER: “This will be one of NASA’s final shuttle missions as the program looks to Mars and beyond. But for now, the future of US Man space flight is uncertain.
Scientist: “Times of transition are always difficult, but we're looking at where we’re going to go with our next vehicle and also developing the commercialization of space.”

But for now, a writer for CNET is curious to see R2’s progress and what it could mean for the future of robotics.

“Before the macho droid lifted off in the Space Shuttle Discovery... it tweeted innocently, "Excited to be a part of our nation's current & future space technology. Investments are critical to both our future in space and life on Earth." Notice how it didn't say "humanity's future." That's a dead giveaway. It's clearly referring to the Robopocalypse.”

NASA hopes to one day launch a joint Mars mission between Robonauts and human astronauts.

'Like Newsy' on Facebook to receive updates throughout the day.

Get more multisource science video news analysis from Newsy..

Transcript by Newsy.

1. By: newsydotcom
2. Categories News & Events
3. Views 78
4. Added :26-Feb-11
   Report This Video