This is one science project which all humans will watch with bated breath. In groundbreaking technology scientists in NASA have finally decided to send up a humanoid robot into outer space at the International Space Station. The robot in question is being called Robonaut 2 or R2.

The robot is expected to make a one way trip to the International Space Station on the Discovery Space Shuttle. The R2 is expected to assist the scientists and astronauts in the space station in simple chores to start with. There are lofty visions of the robot taking over all kinds of dangerous work from humans in the future.

This would include handling toxic spills, and repairs outside the space station. Of course other less dangerous but eagerly waited tasks such as cleaning the toilet are also being looked forward to by its co-inhabiting humans. It is currently only built with half a body. The torso and upper body exists for the humanoid robot but legs do not.

Made out of aluminum and nickel plated carbon fiber and standing about a meter tall R2 weighs 150 kg. The light weight robot is expected to lead to even more helpful robots in the future. The prototype is here and things can only improve. Learn more about the stars with this science project.