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
The Cancel Culture Vulture
Better to shut them down than hear their point of viewCancel culture coming after youHelping to…See More
The Fingerprint
The Fingerprint On a dance with the unpredictability of the signals you sendA solemn pact with my…See More
The Roots of Freemasonry (royales, ancient bloodlines, & end times chronology) w/Gary Wayne
👕 Merch from "The Deep End": https://www.livenotdie.com/thedeep-end🎧 Taylor's DAILY mindset podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/1SW0ofWSXsmJZDnqKYTpRG?s...
"Bullets can be effective in reinforcing ownership."
Trump Receives Marching Orders
Netanyahu has made 3 visits to the White house since Trump's second term as President of the United…See More
Ben Shapiro Just LOST HIS MIND — There's No Coming Back From This
"Omg. The Ben Shapiro voice that Luke is imitating here couldn't be any more comedic to…"
Ben Shapiro Just LOST HIS MIND — There's No Coming Back From This
Get the magnesium your body needs - https://wearechange.shop/product/magnesium-glycinate/Ben Shapiro Just LOST HIS MIND — There's No Coming Back From ThisHig...
A few reasons I don’t like jews. It’s not complicated.
These are the reasons I became antisemitic. It’s not complicated. Sure, I could go on for days, weeks, months outlining everything, but I don’t need to. This...
"Less Prone, Thanks Buddy! I'd like to volunteer as a historical reconstructionist! "
"Welcome to a revolutionary concept in public communication, the truth."
© 2025 Created by truth.
Powered by
