NASA’s robotic assistant gets legs

The legless R2, currently attached to a support post, is undergoing experimental trials with astronauts aboard the orbiting laboratory. Since its arrival at the station in February 2011, it has performed a series of tasks to demonstrate its functionality in microgravity. The new legs will be added next year, and will provide R2 the mobility it needs to help with regular and repetitive tasks inside and outside the space station. The goal is to free up the crew for more critical work, including scientific research. "NASA has explored with robots for more than a decade, from the stalwart rovers on Mars to R2 on the station," said Michael Gazarik, NASA's associate administrator for space technology. "Our investment in robotic technology development is helping us to bolster productivity by applying robotics technology and devices to fortify and enhance individual human capabilities, performance and safety in space." Once the legs are attached to the R2 torso, the robot will have a fully extended leg span of 9ft, giving it flexibility for movement around the space station. Each leg has seven joints and a device on what would be the feet called an end effector, which allow the robot to take advantage of hand rails and sockets inside and outside the station. A vision system for the end effectors will also be used to verify and eventually automate each limb's approach and grasp.