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
It's Over. The Tool Bans Just Arrived!
First tool ban is here! A new law was just signed in New York that requires blueprint blocking technology on every CNC machine, laser cutter, lathe and 3D pr...
Angry Old Man James Carville Warns of More to Come?
A new type of signaling is brewing among the left and disenfranchised Democrats who have refused…See More
Occult Oxford
Come with me on an occult tour of Oxford. Support the channel:https://buymeacoffee.com/swilliamismhttps://www.patreon.com/swilliamismhttps://www.paypal.com/n...
"FREEDOMROX there are a lot of conversations going on between theologians and scientists about what…"
"cheeki kea Yes I believe that there are those who have a sympathetic awareness toward whales and…"
© 2026 Created by truth.
Powered by
