Space Robots: Will Humans Be Totally Replaced by These Mechanical Beings?

Space robots are getting better and smarter while humans are optimistic that these robots can help out in much challenging and risky space missions in the future. Today, aside from learning about how the human body behaves in space and carrying different experiments, crew of the international space station are focusing more to incorporate as much as possible robotics into their daily tasks.

While robots are getting smarter each mission, humans are hoping that these mechanical space companions will be able to do more complicated space missions in the future. These robots are doing various kinds of tasks for humans whether doing heavy lifting or doing some spacewalks, different types of robots aboard the ISS are greatly contributing in the completion of our space flier’s science. Meet some of the robots that are making these missions more possible in every flight.

SPHERES

These small group of floating robots called SPHERES which stands for Synchronized Position Hold Engage and Reorient Experimental Satellite, are one of the handful robotic companions of humans in the ISS. These ball-sized drones with a size of a bowling ball can move in any direction thanks to its miniature carbon dioxide thrusters. These robots are very useful for testing all kinds of technology according to the European Space Agency.

KIROBO

Talking about space blues, the automotive company Toyota firstly addressed this concern in Japan as a growing problem for lonely seniors on the ground. Kirobo will have conversations with you based on what you’re saying. It is also able to sense your mood and adjust the tone of the conversation based on that.

ROBONAUT 2

Robonaut 2 or a.k.a R2, is a robot designed to mimic the human body. R2’s humanoid design allows it to take over simple, repetitive, or especially risky tasks on different places such as the International Space Station.

KIBO

This robotic arm is a part of a much larger Japanese Experiment Module aslo called Kibo. This Kibo module has been put into space since 2008 and was assembled together after several shuttle launches which shipped the robot in different pieces.