title: Robonaut: a robot designed to work with humans in space.
abstract: The Robotics Technology Branch at the NASA Johnson Space Center is developing robotic systems to assist astronauts in space. One such system, Robonaut, is a humanoid robot with the dexterity approaching that of a suited astronaut. Robonaut currently has two dexterous arms and hands, a three degree-of-freedom articulating waist, and a two degree-of-freedom neck used as a camera and sensor platform. In contrast to other space manipulator systems, Robonaut is designed to work within existing corridors and use the same tools as space walking astronauts. Robonaut is envisioned as working with astronauts, both autonomously and by teleoperation, performing a variety of tasks including, routine maintenance, setting up and breaking down worksites, assisting crew members while outside of spacecraft, and serving in a rapid response capacity.
authors.affiliation: Hernandez Engineering, Inc., Houston, TX 77062, USA. bluethmann@jsc.nasa.gov
authors.forename: William
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Bluethmann
authors.forename: Robert
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Ambrose
authors.forename: Myron
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Diftler
authors.forename: Scott
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Askew
authors.forename: Eric
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Huber
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Goza
authors.forename: Fredrik
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Rehnmark
authors.forename: Chris
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Lovchik
authors.forename: Darby
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Magruder
mesh_terms: D001185:Artificial Intelligence; D018480:Astronauts; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D003198:Computer Simulation; D004867:Equipment Design; D006804:Ergonomics; D018478:Extravehicular Activity; D006225:Hand; D006801:Humans; D008328:Man-Machine Systems; D012371:Robotics; D013026:Space Flight / Q000295:instrumentation*; D013647:Task Performance and Analysis; D014481:United States; D018557:United States National Aeronautics and Space Administration; D014584:User-Computer Interface