Robot that serves as assistant to the astronauts

Working as an astronaut in space is not easy. A much different environment sometimes makes it difficult to adapt them. May be very helpful at all if the astronauts have an assistant who can work hard but apart from the human assistant is a robot.

The experts at the American space agency, is currently working with scientists from General Motors, announced the development of Robonauts, robot helper suited to help the astronauts working in space stations. This new robot prototype suitable for a variety of heavy duty, which is still difficult to be done by humans. This robot can complete tasks that are difficult and complicated in space, such as improving the telescope, or make repairs on the International Space Station (ISS). The machines were specially designed so that they can perform tasks that require skill and strength.

Robonaut is a new version 2 and better than the first generation. This robot was developed by NASA and the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Project Agency (DARPA) is more than a decade ago. But the latest version of the much more powerful, more accurately, and far more skilled than the previous model. Ron Diftler revealed that engineers from Houston, Texas-based Oceaneering Space Systems is also involved in this work.

One thing that really stands out about the new machines is the fact that they have four joint thumb, the first prototype only has three fingers only, which means that the new prototype can be more skilled and precise work. "The thumb clearly played an important, make us the dominant species on this planet. Also more flexible when using gloves in space. "NASA scientists said. It also can lift the load in excess of 10 pounds and moving at a speed of 4.5 miles per hour.

"We put more sensors in both arms and the network, so if it comes in contact with the astronauts in unexpected ways, can be stopped at the same time," said Diftler. He added that this is done in order to make robots safe for human interaction. The machine is also covered with a soft cloth, whose main goal is to cushion and to prevent the destruction of space costume. Some of the main mission R2 will need to do is to be able to change the thermal blanket on the object in space and also carry the tools around him. At this point, this task is very complicated to do the astronauts and spent a long time.