‘Robohope’: Talking robot sent to ISS to ‘get along’ with humans

  

(RT)  A small Japanese robot, Kirobo, that boasts the abilities to talk, recognize voice and emotions, as well as to learn, has been sent to the International Space Station. Kirobo says his mission is a historic attempt to befriend robots and humans.

The daring offspring of Japan’s Kibo Robot Project was launched into space on Sunday aboard a cargo ship. The rocket is already in orbit with five tons of supplies, and its little passenger is expected to step on board the ISS on Friday.

The 34 centimeter (13 inch) android got his name from “kibo” – Japanese for “hope.” Weighing in at just 1 kilogram (2.2 pounds), it was jointly designed by the University of Tokyo, Toyota Motor Corp and Dentsu Inc. to operate even in zero gravity.