Summary:

 

Robonaut 2 (R2) is a highly dexterous humanoid robot built by NASA’s Johnson Space Center and General Motors. Designed for EVA‑level manipulation, R2 features human‑like hands, advanced vision systems, and a torso‑mounted “brain” that enables fine motor control in hazardous environments. It launched to the ISS on Space Shuttle Discovery (STS‑133) in 2011, becoming the first humanoid robot in orbit.

 

Editorial:

 

Robonaut 2: The Most Important Humanoid NASA Ever Built

 

R2 wasn’t created to replace astronauts — it was created to extend them.  

NASA needed a robot that could handle tools, operate switches, turn knobs, and perform maintenance in microgravity with the same dexterity as a gloved astronaut. R2’s tendon‑driven hands, high‑resolution vision, and torque‑sensing joints made it the first robot capable of EVA‑class manipulation.

 

Its deployment to the ISS marked a turning point: humanoids weren’t just research projects anymore — they were crew members. R2’s work provided critical data for future planetary robotics, including lunar and Martian surface assistants.

 

Today, R2 stands as the most influential space‑grade humanoid ever built, and its technology suite continues to be licensed across medical, industrial, and hazardous‑environment robotics.

 

Specifications:

 

Dimensions & Build

(NASA does not publish exact height/weight for all configurations.)  

- Height: ~1.0–1.2 m (torso‑only ISS configuration)  

- Weight: ~150 kg (ISS configuration)  

- Design Intent: EVA‑class dexterity for space and hazardous environments  

- Construction:  

  - Torso‑only humanoid (ISS)  

  - Optional leg modules in later prototypes  

  - Aerospace‑grade materials  

 

Mobility

- Locomotion:  

  - Torso‑only on ISS (fixed mount)  

  - Later prototypes: bipedal legs for ground testing  

- Capabilities:  

  - Microgravity task execution  

  - Tool handling  

  - Switch/knob operation  

  - EVA‑like manipulation  

 

Degrees of Freedom

- Total DOF: 42 (full configuration)  

- Hands: 5‑finger tendon‑driven dexterous hands  

- Arms: Multi‑DOF humanoid arms  

- Head/Neck: Vision‑sensor cluster  

 

Actuation

- Actuator Type: Tendon‑driven, high‑precision servo systems  

- Capabilities:  

  - Fine motor control  

  - EVA‑class manipulation  

  - Force‑torque sensing for safe interaction  

 

Manipulation

- Capabilities:  

  - Tool use  

  - Switches, valves, handrails  

  - Cable handling  

  - Delicate and repetitive tasks  

- Hands:  

  - Human‑like dexterity  

  - Tactile and force feedback  

 

Perception & Sensors

Confirmed NASA systems:  

- Stereo vision  

- Infrared sensors  

- Tactile sensors  

- Force‑torque sensors  

- High‑resolution camera cluster  

 

Compute & AI

- Compute Location: Torso (“thinks with its stomach”) due to head space constraints   

- Capabilities:  

  - Real‑time control  

  - Vision‑guided manipulation  

  - Autonomous and teleoperated modes  

- Software: NASA dexterous robotics stack  

 

Battery & Power

- Power Source: ISS power system (wired)  

- Runtime: Continuous when powered  

- Charging: Not applicable  

 

Connectivity

- ISS data interfaces  

- Teleoperation from ground or onboard crew  

- NASA robotics control systems  

 

Applications

- ISS maintenance  

- Hazardous‑environment tasks  

- Tool operation  

- Technology transfer to industry  

- Dexterous robotics research  

 

Pricing

- Not commercially sold  

 

NASA has NOT published:  

- Full torque curves  

- Joint‑speed specifications  

- Environmental ratings  

- Battery specs (wired system)  

- Commercial pricing  

 

Image: @revoeciov

 

Company Source:

 

NASA Johnson Space Center — Dexterous Robotics Laboratory
https://www.nasa.gov/robonaut/

 

Key News & Coverage:

 

NASA — Robonaut 2 Overview (Official)

https://www.nasa.gov/robonaut/

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MZ3-_zz_yYI