NASA, GM's Robonaut2 To Mimic Human Movement, Behavior.

NASA, GM's Robonaut2 To Mimic Human Movement, Behavior.

Technology Review (2/12) reports on the Robonaut2, a humanoid robot being developed by NASA and General Motors that "is designed to closely mimic the shape, movement, and behavior of a human." These traits "could make it ideally suited to working alongside humans, or for testing human spacecraft and living quarters, but it also presents some unique engineering challenges." Rob Ambrose, chief of the Software, Robotics and Simulation Division at Johnson Space Center, called Robonaut2 "a significant improvement over its predecessor." The article describes some of the robot's features, and examines some of the technology that is being developed for the project. "The technology needed to perceive humans and respond to human action is particularly important," according to experts, as is "enabling Robonaut2 to communicate effectively with astronauts."

        Siena College Collaboration With NASA To Research Sun, Upper Atmosphere. The Albany Times Union (2/12, Churchill) reports that "Siena College in Loudonville will receive a $2 million federal grant" from the National Science Foundation that "will allow Siena to lead a collaborative research project known as 'Penguin,' which will collect data from observatories in Antarctica that will be used in conjunction with NASA satellites to gain information about the sun and Earths upper atmosphere." According to the office of US Rep. Paul Tonko (D), "the research could lead to advances in astronaut and aircraft safety and developments in so-called green power."