Kirobo, which takes its name from the Japanese words for “hope” and “robot,” was built by a consortium of companies, including Toyota Motor Corp., Dentsu Corp. and Robo Garage Co., working with scientists from the University of Tokyo’s Centre for Advanced Science and Technology and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency.
The android will welcome Koichi Wakata, the first Japanese commander of the ISS, when he arrives aboard in November or December.
Standing just over 13 inches tall and weighing in at 2.2lbs, Kirobo will be able to recognise Wakata’s facial features and is designed to communicate in Japanese and take photos.
After Wakata has completed his six-month stay aboard the ISS, the robot will stay behind to send messages to schools in Japan and around the world.
Read also:
Japan's Kirobo talking robot says its first words in space: 'One small step' (NBCNews.com)
Kirobo Robot Sends First Message from Space Station (and doesn't open pod … (Universe Today)
After introducing itself via video link, Kirobo sent photos back to Earth (Daily Mail)
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