Robonaut2, the first humanoid robot to go into space, is going to keep in touch with Earth via Twitter, The Telegraph reported.
The robot is to join the International Space Station's crew next month. It is intended to help researchers build a robot that can carry out dangerous or repetitive tasks in space that must otherwise be performed by an astronaut.
Its first Twitter updates, from its new account @AstroRobonaut, have already been sent. It is documenting its preparations for launch, and once in orbit, it will continue to keep followers informed of its work aboard the ISS.
Earlier this week, it told followers: "Hello World! My name is Robonaut2 - R2 for short. Follow my adventures here as I prepare for space!"
R2 is described as a "state of the art, highly dexterous anthropomorphic robot", and is said to be the most dexterous. It is designed to use tools and systems during extra-vehicular activity - or "spacewalking", as it is better known.
Its designers say that it is nearly as dexterous as a human being, and can use the same tools and interfaces as the more usual carbon-based astronauts who use the space station. This will allow it to perform its duties without any redesigning of the station's equipment.
John Olson, the director of Nasa's Exploration Systems Integration Office, told the Telegraph this year that the project "exemplifies the promise that a future generation of robots can have both in space and on Earth, not as replacements for humans but as companions that can carry out key supporting roles," he said.
If it is successful, it will teach scientists more about how to operate humanoid robots in space, and R2 could be taking the risky or boring tasks out of human space-men's hands.
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