Japan's Kirobo robot takes 'one small step' in space
Japan's Kirobo has become the first robot to speak in outer space, showcasing the country's drive to combine technology with cuteness.
The designers of the android – which has been developed in Japan to serve as a companion during extended explorations of space in the future – have released pictures of Kirobo floating in the International Space Station.
"On August 21, 2013, a robot took one small step toward a brighter future for all," the diminutive android said.
(AFP/Getty Images)
Kirobo, which takes its name from the Japanese words for "hope" and "robot," was built by a consortium of companies, including Toyota Motor Corp., Dentsu Corp. and Robo Garage Co., working with scientists from the University of Tokyo's Centre for Advanced Science and Technology and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency.
Kirobo was launched from Japan's Tanegashima Space Centre on August 4 and docked with the ISS six days later.
The android will welcome Koichi Wakata, the first Japanese commander of the ISS, when he arrives aboard in November or December.
Standing just over 13 inches tall and weighing in at 2.2lbs, Kirobo will be able to recognise Wakata's facial features and is designed to communicate in Japanese and take photos.
After Wakata has completed his six-month stay aboard the ISS, the robot will stay behind to send messages to schools in Japan and around the world.
It will be able to post messages on Twitter and other social media sites, take pictures within the Kibo research module on the ISS, Japan's contribution to the international project, and of the Earth from outer space.
A second android has been developed to serve as a backup and to demonstrate the device's capabilities to audiences on Earth.
In a statement, the organisers said the robot will be designed to "help solve social problems through communication".
"The main objective is that humans can talk to it and feel some sort of closeness to it," the developers said. "That is why we decided to give it a humanoid shape."
Replies to This Discussion
-
Permalink Reply by opt˟ on
-
CREEPY
In a statement, the organisers said the robot will be designed to "help solve social problems through communication".
"The main objective is that humans can talk to it and feel some sort of closeness to it," the developers said. "That is why we decided to give it a humanoid shape."
-
-
Permalink Reply by Central Scrutinizer on
-
CREEPY
yeshh
-
"Destroying the New World Order"
THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING THE SITE!
Latest Activity
- Top News
- Everything
"This falls in the category of political assassination, a very shameful policy of eliminating people…"
"cheeki kea Thank you, just one thing. The Choctaw Indian who came to the rescue was a war veteran…"
"Well that is one fine story you've got going there Doc V. with a very interesting roll up. I…"
"Just another bizarre chapter in WWII that seems more suspect as paranormal."
Former President Trump?
When was this article written? It is attributed to Victor Davis Hanson. He is a Fellow at Hoover…See More
"It must be an unintended mistake "former". But that Trump demanded to keep Khan away is a…"
"Quite an uplifting story of the winter war. Finland was overpowered by ten to one and could still…"
Elon Weighs in on Charlie Kirk's Assassination and How it is an Instrument of Social Control
For a very long time now there has been in place mass population behavioral control operations that…See More
"Less Prone Thanks Buddy I worked on it for 3 days! "
"You have spun a great story, congratulations!"
© 2025 Created by truth.
Powered by
