GM sends robot to space
R2 to undergo testing before beginning regular work alongside the astronauts
Detroit: About 424.87 kilometres above the Earth, Robonaut 2, the dexterous humanoid robot developed by General Motors and the Nasa Johnson Space Center has finally arrived at the International Space Station (ISS) for its first mission.
R2 has been packed aboard the space shuttle orbiter Discovery since 2010 and was originally scheduled to go into space in early November.
The final launch of Discovery had been delayed due to a combination of weather and technical issues. Before R2 begins regular work alongside the astronauts, it will go through a period of testing and further development. A twin robot remains at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, where engineers are continuing to refine its sensing and control systems.
Along with R2, a rack with a variety of interchangeable task boards was shipped to the ISS.
