Next, Robonauts

Robonaut2: Fast, dexterous and strong. But can he moonwalk?

NASA and GM are developing Robonauts, robot astronauts that can work alongside their human counterparts in space. The latest version, Robonaut2 (or R2) is faster and more dexterous than his predecessor.

In addition to NASA and GM, Oceaneering Space Systems of Houston participated in developing the advanced space robot. Oceaneering has previously won the contract to develop the spacesuit to be used by the next American astronauts on the moon. Presumably, those space suits won’t be needed now that NASA isn’t sending anyone to the moon.

What about sending a Robonaut? At least we could put some footprints up there, even if they’re not human. And it’s a lot cheaper if we don’t have to bring him back.