Robonaut 2 preps for trip to International Space Station

Robonaut 2, also known as R2, is prepped to visit the International Space Station via NASA's space shuttle Discovery.

For R2, a joint robot effort with General Motors and NASA, it's the first trip into space to do real work. The R2 project began in 2007.

The launch, which was announced in April, is prepped for Nov. 1.

As previously noted, R2's claim to fame is that it has the dexterity and hand sensitivity to take on a bevy of manufacturing tests. While NASA is using R2 in space, GM is hoping the development of the robot will help it with manufacturing and automotive technologies.

Related:

Meet R2: Your robotic coworker courtesy of NASA, GM

GM and NASA’s Robonaut 2 to move into international space station

[See more photos in an image gallery on SmartPlanet sister site ZDNet]

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