Japanese android robot takes ‘one small step’ on space station
TOKYO — The Japanese android Kirobo has become the first robot to speak in space, showcasing the country’s drive to combine technology with cuteness.
Kirobo was developed to serve as a companion during extended explorations of space, and its designers have released pictures of it 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.
Kirobo, which takes its name from the Japanese 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.
The robot was launched from Japan’s Tanegashima Space Centre on Aug. 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 2.2 pounds, Kirobo will be able to recognize Wakata’s facial features and is designed to communicate in Japanese and take photographs. After Wakata has completed his six-month mission, 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. It will also take pictures within the Kibo research module on the ISS — Japan’s contribution to the international project — and of the Earth.