TOKYO — The first talking humanoid robot “astronaut” has taken off in a rocket.
Kirobo — derived from the Japanese words for “hope” and “robot” — was among 5 tons of supplies and machinery on a rocket launched yesterday for the International Space Station from Tanegashima, said the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, or JAXA.
The childlike robot was designed to be a companion for astronaut Koichi Wakata and will communicate with another robot on Earth, according to developers. Wakata is expected to arrive at the space station in November.
Ahead of the launch, the 13-inch-tall Kirobo told reporters, “One small step for me, a giant leap for robots.”
JAXA said the rocket launch was successful, and the separation of a cargo vehicle, carrying the robot to the space station, was confirmed after liftoff.