NASA, General Motors team up on new humanoid robot

NASA and GM will build a new humanoid robot that is expected to benefit both the space agency and the automaker's financial bottom line.

Perhaps taking the hint from President Obama’s 2011 budget for their agency, NASA has teamed up with General Motors to construct a new humanoid robot that could revolutionize the auto industry, space travel, and the robotics field in general. The new model, named Robonaut 2, or R2 for short, is designed to be much more dexterous than previous builds, and safer to operate around humans. The point of R2 is two-fold: First there are the obvious benefits of having a human shape and sized robot on certain space missions. Robonaut 2 could venture out on more dangerous missions, braving elements and conditions that would be hazardous to an actual human astronaut. The fact that this particular robot has dexterous hands will be a boon for space based missions it might take part in. The second need the R2 fits is that of the automaker. General Motors is still attempting to get on its feet following the economic collapse last fall, and a robot that is lighter and more agile can only help the company move forward. NASA and GM have told 9news.com in Denver that the partnership will continue and the latest Robonaut project will lay the groundwork for further exploration, construction and technology.